
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. | 



Chap. 
Shelf 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



JOURNAL 



LIFE, GOSPEL LABOURS AND CHRISTIAN EXPER ENCES, 

OF THAT FAITHFUL MINISTER OF 

JESUS CHRIST, 

JOHN WOOLMAN. 

TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 



HIS LAST EPISTLE, 

Mi" 

AND OTHER WRITINGS. 



The work of righteousness shall be peace ; and the effect of righteoisneM^ 
quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah xxxii. 17. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

FOR SALE AT FRIENDS* BOOKSTORE, 
No. 304 ARCH STREET. 

1883. 






^:^. 



CONTENTS. 



The Testimony of Friends in Yorkshire, at their Quarterly Meet- 
ing held at York, the 24th and 25th of the third month, 1773, 
concerning John Woolman 9 

A Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Friends, held in Bur- 
lington, the 1st day of the eighth month, in the year of our 
Lord, 1774, concerning our esteemed friend John Woolman, 
deceased 13 



CHAPTER I. 

His birth and parentage, with some account of the operations of 
Divine grace on his mind in his youth — his first appearance 
in the ministry — considerations while young on keeping 
slaves 19 

CHAPTER II. 

flis first journey, on a religious visit, into East Jersey, in com- 
pany with Abraham Farrington — thoughts on merchandizing, 
and learning a trade — second journey, with Isaac Andrews, 
into Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina — 
third journey, with Peter Andrews, through part of West and 
East Jersey — some account of his sister Elizabeth, and her 
death — fourth journey, with Peter Andrews, through New 
York and Long Island, to New England — fifth journey, with 
John Sykes, to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and the lower 

counties on Delaware : 31 

iii 



IV CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER III. 

His marriage — the death of his father — his jouraeys into the upper 
part of New Jersey, and afterwards into Pennsylvania — con 
siderations on keeping slaves — visits to the families ot 
Friends at several times and places — an epistle from the 
General Meeting — ^journey to Long Island — considerations 
on trading, and on the use of spirituous liquors and costly 
apparel — letter to a Friend 43 

CHAPTER IV. 

His visiting the families of Friends at Burlington — His journey 
to Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina — 
Considerations on the state of Friends there, and the exer- 
cise he was under in travelling among those concerned in 
keeping slaves: Avith some observations on this subject — His 
epistle to Friends at New Garden and Cane creek — His 
thoughts on the neglect of a religious care in the education 
of the negroes 59 

CHAPTER V. 

Considerations on the payment of a tax laid for carrying on the 
war against the Indians — Some notes on Thomas a Kempis 
and John Huss — Meetings of the committee of the Yearly 
Meeting at Philadelphia — The present circumstances of 
Friends in Pennsylvania and New Jersey very different from 
those of our predecessors — The drafting of the militia in 
New Jersey to serve in the army, with some observations on 
the state of the members of our Society at that time — His 
visit to Friends in Pennsylvania, accompanied by Benjamin 
Jones — Proceedings at the Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly 
Meetings in Philadelphia, respecting those who keep 
slaves 81 

CHAPTER VI. 

Mis visiting the Quarterly Meetings in Chester county * and after 
wards joining with Daniel Stanton and John Scarborough, in 



CONTENTS. \ 

a visit to such as kept slaves there — Sor e observations on 
the conduct those should maintain who are concerned to 
speak in meetings for discipline — Several visits to such who 
kept slaves : and to Friends near Salem — Some account of 
the Yearly Meeting in the year 1759; and of the increasing 
concern, in divers provinces, to labour against buying and 
keeping slaves — The yearly Meeting epistle — His thoughts^ 
on the smallpox spreading — and on inoculation 94 

CHAPTER VII. 

His visit in company with Samuel Eastburn, to Long Island, 
Rhode Island, Boston, &c., in New England — ^Remarks on 
the slave trade at Newport, and his exercise on that ac- 
count ; also on lotteries — Some observations on the island of 
Nantucket 110 

CHAPTER VIII. 

His visits to Pennsylvania, Shrewsbury and Squan — publishes the 
second part of his Considerations on keeping negroes — The 7- 
grounds of his appearing in some respects singular in his 
dress — visits the families of Friends of Ancocas and Mount 
Holly meetings — visit to the Indians at Wehaloosing on the 
river Susquehanna 125 

CHAPTER IX. 

His religious conversation with a company met to see the tricks 
of a juggler — John Smith's advice 3 proceedings of a commit- 
tee at the Yearly Meeting in 1764 — Contemplations on the 
nature of true wisdom, occasioned by hearing of the cruelty 
of the Indians to their captives — Visits the families of Friends 
at Mount Holly, Mansfield and Burlington, in 1764, and the 
meetings on the sea coast from Cape May toward Squan in 
1765 — visit to the lower counties on Delaware and the East- 
ern Shore of Maryland in 1766, in company witli John Sleeper; 
some account of Joseph Nichols and his followers; and ob- 
servations on the different state of the first settlers in Penn* 

a2 



VI CONTENTS. 

sylvania who depended on their own laboi r, and those of the 
Southern provinces who kept negroes — visit to the northern 
parts of New Jersey the same year, and the w^estern parts 
of Maryland and Pennsylvania in 1767, and afterwards 
other pans of Pennsylvania and the families of Friends at 
Mount Holly • and again several parts of Maryland in 1768 — 
further considerations on keeping slaves; his concern for 
having formerly, as an executor, been party to the sale of 
^ne; and what he did in consequence of it — thoughts on 
Friends exercising offices in civil government 152 

CHAPTER X. 

His exercise for the good of the people in the West Indies — com- 
municates to Friends his resignation to visit some of these 
islands — The state of his mind, and the close considerations 
he was led into while under this exercise — preparations to 
embark, and considerations on the trade to these islands; 
released from the concern he had been under — religious en- 
gagements after his return home — ^His sickness, in which he 
was brought to a very low state ; and the prospects he then 
had 169 



CHAPTER XI. 

Preparing to visit Friends in England — Embarks at Chester, in 
company with Samuel Emlen, in a ship bound to London — 
His deep exercise, in observing the difficulties and hardships 
the common sailors are exposed to — Considerations on the 
dangers to which youth are exposed, in being trained to a 
sea-faring life; and its inconsistency wdth a pious education 
— thoughts in a storm at sea; with many instructive con- 
templations on the voyage — arrival at London 177 

CHAPTER XII. 

Attends the Yearly Meeting in London — ^proceeds towards York- 
shire, visiting several Quarterly and other meetings in the 



eONTENTS, Vll 

counties of Hertford, Warwick, Oxford, Nottingham, York, 
and Westmoreland ; and thence again into Yorkshire, and to 
the city of York — some instructive thoughts and observa- 
tions — letters on divers subjects — hears of the decease of 
William Hunt* some account of him — sickness at York; 
and death there 196 

Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes ; recommended to the 
professors of Christianity of every denomination 215 

Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes, recommended to the 
professors of Christianity of every denomination. Part the 
Second 232 

Considerations on pure wisdom and human policy 5 on Labour; 
on Schools; and on the right use of the Lord^s outward 
gifts 274 

Considerations on the Harmony of Mankind ; and how it is to be 

maintained. 291 

Chap. I. — On serving the Lord in our outward employ- 
ments 292 

Chap. H. — On the example of Christ 299 

Chap. HL — On Merchandising 303 

Chap. IV. — On Divine admonitions 312 

Remarks on sundry subjects. 

Chap. L — On loving our neighbours as ourselves. ... 316 

Note on the horrors of the slave trade 32G 

(See page 432 "Friends' Library.") 

Chap. H.— On a Sailor's life 350 

Chap. HL—On Silent Worship 354 

An Epistle to the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends 356 



THE TESTIMONY OF FRIENDS 

In Yorkshire^ at their Quarterly Meeting held at York^ he 
24th and 2dth of the third months 1773, concerning John 
WooLMAN, of Mount Holly^ in the province of JS*ew 
Jersey^ in America^ ivho departed this life at the house 
of our friend Thomas Priestman^ in the suburbs of this 
city^ the 1th of the tenth month^ 1772, and was interred in 
the burying- ground of Friends^ the 9th of the same^ aged 
about fifty-two years. 

This our valuable friend having been under a religious 
engagement for some time, to visit Friends in this nation, 
and more especially us in the northern parts, undertook 
the same with the full concurrence and near sympathy of 
his friends and brethren at home, as appeared by certifi- 
cates from the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings to which 
he belonged, and from the Spring-meeting of ministers 
and elders, held at Philadelphia, for Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey. 

He arrived in the city of London at the beginning of 
the last Yearly Meeting, and after attending that meeting 
travelled northward, visiting the Quarterly Meetings of 
Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamtonshire, Ox- 
fordshire and Worcestershire, and divers particular meet- 
ings in his way. 

He visited many meetings on the west side of this 
county, also some in Lancashire and Westmoi-jland, from 
whence he came to our Quarterly Meeting in the last 
ninth month; and though much out of health, yet was en- 
abled to attend all the sittings of that meeting except the 
last. 

His disorder, which proved to be the smallpox, in 

9 



10 TESTIMONIES CONCERNING 

creased speedily upon him, and was very afflicting; un- 
der which he was supported in much meeekness, patience 
and Christian fortitude. To those who attended him in 
his illness, his mind appeared to be centered in Divine 
love, under the precious influence whereof, we believe 
he finished his course, and entered into the mansions of 
everlasting rest. 

In the early part of his illness he requested a Friend 
to write, and then broke forth thus : 

" Lord my God ! the amazing horrors of darkness 
wTre gathered around me and covered me all over, and 
I saw no way to go forth. I felt the misery of my fellow- 
creatures separated from the Divine harmony, and it was 
heavier than I could bear — I was crushed down under it. 
I lifted up my hand, and stretched out my arm, but there 
w^as none to help me. I looked round about and was 
amazed. In the depths of misery, Lord! I remem- 
bered that thou art omnipotent, that I had called thee 
Father. I felt that I loved thee, and I was made quiet 
in thy will. I w^aited for deliverance from thee, and thou 
hadst pity upon me, when no man could help me. I saw 
that meekness under suffering was showed to us in the 
most affecting example of thy son, and that thou wast 
teaching me to follow him : and I said, thy will, Father, 
be done." 

Many more of his weighty expressions might have 
been inserted here, but it was deemed unnecessary, they 
being already published. 

He was a man endued with a large natural capacity, 
and being obedient to the manifestations of Divine grace, 
having in p-atlence and humility endured many deep bap- 
tisms, he became thereby sanctified and fitted for the 
Lord's work, and was truly serviceable in his church. — 



JOHN WOOLMAN. li 

Dwelling in awful fear and watchfulness, he was careful 
in his public appearances to feel the putting forth of the 
Divine Hand, so that the spring of the Gospel ministry 
often flowed through him with great sweetness and purity, 
as a refreshing stream to the w^eary travellers towards the 
city of God. Skilful in dividing the word, he was fur- 
nished by Him in whom are hid all the treasures of wis- 
dom and knowledge, to communicate freely to the several 
states of the people where his lot was cast. His conduct 
at other times was seasoned with the like watchful cir- 
cumspection and attention to the guidance of Divine wis- 
dom, which rendered his whole conversation edifying. 

He was fully persuaded, that as the life of Christ comes 
to reign in the earth, all abuse and unnecessary oppres- 
sion, both of the human and brute creation will come to 
an end; but under the sense of a deep revolt, and an 
overflowing stream of unrighteousness, his life was often 
a life of mourning. 

He was deeply concerned on account of that inhuman 
and iniquitous practice of making slaves of the people of 
Africa, or holding them in that state ; and on that ac- 
count we understand he not only wrote some books, but 
travelled much on the continent of America, in order to 
make the negro masters, especially those in profession 
with us, sensible of the evil of such a practice ; and though 
in this journey to England he was far removed from the 
outward sight of their sufferings^ yet his deep exercise of 
mind remained, as appears by a short treatise he wrote in 
this journey, and his frequent concern to open the miser- 
able state of this deeply injured people. His testimony in 
the last meeting he attended was on this subject, wherein 
he remarked, that as we as a Society, when under outward 
sufferings had often found it our concern to lay them be 



12 TESTIMONIES CONCERNING 

fore those in authority, and thereby in the Lorvl's time, 
had obtained relief, so he recommended this oppressed 
part of the creation to our notice, that as way may open^ 
we may represent their sufferings in an individual, if not 
a Society capacity to those in authority. 

Deeply sensible that the desire to gratify people's in- 
clinations in luxury and superfluities, is the principal 
ground of oppression, and the occasion of many unneces- 
sary w^ants, he believed it to be his duty to be a pattern 
of great self-denial, with respect to the things of this life, 
and earnestly to labour with Friends in the meekness of 
wisdom, to impress on their minds the great importance 
of our testimony in these things ; recommending them to 
the guidance of the blessed Truth in this and all other 
concerns, and cautioning such as are experienced therein, 
against contenting themselves with acting up to the stand- 
ard of others, but to be careful to make the standard of 
Truth manifested to them, the measure of their obedience ; 
for said he, " That purity of life which proceeds from 
faithfulness in following the Spirit of Truth; that state 
where our minds are devoted to serve God, and all our 
wants are bounded by his wisdom ; this habitation has 
often been opened before me as a place of retirement for 
the children of the light, where they may stand separated 
from that which disordereth and confuseth the affairs of 
society, and w^here w^e may have a testimony of our inno- 
cence in the hearts of those who behold us." 

We conclude with fervent desires, that w^e as a people 
may thus, by our example, promote the Lord's work in 
the earth ; and our hearts being prepared, may unite in 
prayer to the great Lord of the harvest, that as in his in- 
finite wisdom he hath greatly stripped the church, by re- 
moving of late divers faithful ministers and elders, he 



• JOHN WOOLMAN. 13 

may be pleased to send forth many more faithful labourers 
into his harvest. 

Signed in. by order, and on behalf of said meeting. 

Thomas Bennett, Samuel Briscoe, 

John Storr, John Turner, 

Joseph Eglin, Joshua Robinson, 

Thomas Perkinson, Thomas Priestman, 

Joseph Wright, And divers other Friends. 



A Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of Friends^ held in 
Burling fon^ the 1st day of the eighth month^ in the yea? 
of our Lord^ 1774, concerning our esteemed friend John 
WooLMAN, deceased. 

He was born in Northampton, in the county of Bur- 
lington, and province of West New Jersey, in the eighth 
month, 1720, of religious parents, who instructed him 
very early in the principles of the Christian religion, as 
professed by the people called Quakers, w^hich he es- 
teemed a blessing to him, even in his young years, tend- 
ing to preserve him from the infection of wicked children. 
But through the workings of the enemy, and the levity 
incident to youth, he frequently deviated from those 
parental precepts, by which he laid a renewed foundation 
for repentance, that was finally succeeded by a godly 
sorrow not to be repented of, and so became acquainted 
with that sanctifying power which qualifies for true Gospel 
ministry, into w^hich he was called about the twenty- 
second year of his age, and by a faithful use of the talents 
r^ommitted to him, he experienced an increase, until he 
arrived at the state of a father, capable of dividing thf 

B 



14 TESTIMONIES CONCERNING 

word aright to the diflerent states he ministered unto , 
dispensing milk to babes, and meat to those of ripei 
years. Thus he found the efficacy of that power to arise, 
which, in his own expressions, '' prepares the creature 
to stand hke a trumpet through which the Lord speaks 
to his people." 

He w^as a loving husband, a tender father, and very 
humane to every part of the creation under his care. 

His concern for the poor and those in affliction was evi- 
dent by his visits to them ; and he frequently relieved 
them by his assistance and charity. He was for many 
years deeply exercised on account of the poor enslaved 
Africans, w^hose cause, as he sometimes mentioned, lay 
almost continually upon him, and to obtain liberty to 
those captives, he laboured both in public and private, 
and was favoured to see his endeavours crowned with 
considerable success. He w^as particularly desirous that 
Friends should not be instrumental to lay burthens on 
this oppressed people, but remember the days of suffer- 
ing from which they had been providentially delivered, 
that if times of trouble should return, no injustice dealt 
to those in slavery might rise in judgment against us, 
but, being clear, we might on such occasions address 
the Amighty with a degree of confidence, for his inter- 
position and relief; being particularly careful as to him- 
self, not to countenance slavery, even by the use of those 
conveniences of life which were furnished by their labour. 

He w^as desirous to have his ow^n mind, and the minds 
of others, redeemed from the pleasures and immoderate 
profits of this world, and to fix them on those jo}S which 
fade not away ; his principal care being after a life of 
purity, endeavouring to avoid not only the grt^sser pol- 
lutions, but those also, which appearing in a more refine<i 



JOHN WOOLMAN. 15 

Jiess, are not sufficiently guarded against by some well 
disposed people. In the latter part of his life he was re- 
markable for the plainness and simplicity of his dress, 
and as much as possible, avoided the use of plate, costly 
furniture and feasting ; thereby endeavouring to become 
an example of temperance and self-denial, which he be* 
lieved himself called unto, and was favoured with peace 
therein, although it carried the appearance of great aus- 
terity in the view of some. He w^as very moderate in 
his charges in the way of business, and in his desires 
after gain ; and though a man of industry, avoided and 
strove much to lead others out of extreme labour and 
anxiousness after perishable things ; being desirous that 
the strength of our bodies might not be spent in procuring 
things unprofitable, and that we might use moderation 
and kindness to the brute animals under our care, to 
prize the use of them as a great favour, and by no means 
to abuse them ; that the gifts of Providence should be 
thankfully received and applied to the uses they were 
designed for. 

He several times opened a school at Mount Holly, for 
the instruction of poor Friends' children and others, being 
concerned for their help and improvement therein. His 
love and care for the rising youth among us was truly 
great, recommending to parents and those who have 
the charge of them, to choose conscientious and pious 
tutors, saying, ^« It is a lovely sight to behold innocent 
children," and ''to labour for their help against that 
which would mar the beauty of their minds, is a debt we 
owe them." 

His ministry was sound, very deep and penetrating, 
sometimes pointing out the dangerous situation which 
indulgence and custom lead into ; frequently exhorting 



16 TESTIMONIES CONCERNING 

Others, especially the youth, not to be discouraged at the 
difficulties which occur, but to press after purity. He 
often expressed an earnest engagement that pure wisdom 
should be attended to, which would lead into lowliness 
of mind and resignation to the Divine will, in which 
state small possessions here would be sufficient. 

In transacting the affiiirs of discipline, his judgment 
w^as sound and clear, and he was very useful in treating 
with those who had done amiss : he visited such in a pri- 
vate way in that plainness w hich Truth dictates, show ing 
great tenderness and Christian forbearance. He was a con- 
stant attender of our Yearly Meeting, in which he was a 
good example, and particularly useful ; assisting in the 
business thereof with great weight and attention. He 
several times visited most of the meetings of Friends in 
this and the neighbouring provinces, with the concur- 
rence of the Monthly Meeting to which he belonged, and 
w^e have reason to believe had good service therein, gen- 
erally or always expressing at his return how it had fared 
with him, and the evidence of peace in his mind for thus 
performing his duty. He was often concerned with other 
Friends in the important service of visiting families, 
which he w^as enabled to go through to satisfaction. 

In the minutes of the meeting of ministers and elders 
for this quarter, at the foot of a list of the members of 
that meeting, made about live years before his death, w^e 
find in his hand writing the following observation and 
reflections. '^ As looking over the minutes made by per- 
sons who have put ofl'this body, hath sometimes revived 
in m.e a thought how^ ages pass away; so this list may 
probably revive a like thought in some, when I and the 
rest of the persons above-named, are centered in anothei 
state of being. — The Lord, who w\^s the guide oJ my 



JOHN WOOLMAN. 17 

youth, hath in tender mercies helped me nitherto , he 
hath healed me of wounds, he hath helped me out of 
grievous entanglements ; he remains to be the strength 
of my life ; to whom I desire to devote myself in time, 
and in eternity. 

"Signed, John Woolman." 

In the twelfth month, 1771, he acquainted this meet- 
ing that he had found his mind drawn towards a religious 
visit to Friends in some parts of England, particularly 
in Yorkshire. In the first month, 1772, he obtained our 
certificate, which was approved and endorsed by our 
Quarterly Meeting, and by the Half-year's meeting of 
ministers and elders at Philadelphia. He embarked on 
his voyage in the fifth, and arrived in London in the 
sixth month following, at the time of their annual meet- 
ing in that city. During his short visit to Friends in that 
kingdom, we are informed that his services were accept- 
able and edifying. In his last illness he uttered many 
lively and comfortable expressions, being "perfectly re- 
signed, having no will either to live or die," as appears 
by the testimony of Friends at York, in Great Britain, 
in the suburbs whereof, at the house of our friend Thomas 
Priestman, he died of the smallpox, on the 7th day of 
the tenth month, 1772, and was buried in Friends' bury- 
ing-ground in that city, on the 9th of the same, after a 
large and solid meeting held on the occasion, aged nearly 
fifty-two years ; a minister upwards of thirty years, during 
which time he belonged to Mount Holly particular meet- 
ing, which he diligently attended when at home and in 
health of body, and his labours of love and pious care 
for the prosperity of Friends in the blessed Truth, we 

b2 



18 TESTIMONIES CONCERNING, &C. 

hope may not be forgotten, but that his good works maj 
be remembered to edification. 

Signed in, and by order of the said meeting, by 
Samuel Allinson, Clerk. 

Read and approved at our Quarterly Meeting, hehl at 
Burhngton the 29th of the eighth month, 1774. 
Signed by order of said meeting, 

Daniel Smith, Clerk, 



■ LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 



CHAPTER I. 

His birth and parentage, with some account of the operations ot 
Divine grace on his mind in his youth — his first appearance 
in the ministry — considerations while young on keeping 
slaves. 

I HAVE often felt a motion of love to leave some hints 
in writing of my experience of the goodness of God ; 
and now, in the thirty-sixth year of my age, I begin this 
work. 

I was born in Northampton, in Burlington county, 
West Jersey, in the year 1720; and before I was seven 
years old I began to be acquainted with the operations 
of Divine love. Through the care of my parents, I was 
taught to read nearly as soon as I was capable of it ; and 
as I went from school one seventh- day, I remember, 
while my companions went to play by the way, I went 
forward out of sight, and sitting down, I read the tw^enty- 
second chapter of the Revelations; ''He show^ed'me a 
pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding 
out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, &c. ;" and 
in reading it, my mind was drawn to seek after that pure 
habitation, which, I then believed, God had prepared for 
his servants. The place w^here I sat, and the sweetness 
that attended my mind, remain fresh in my memory. 

This, and the like gracious visitations, had such an 

19 



20 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

effect upon me, that when boys used ilJ language, i1 
troubled me ; and through the continued oaercies of God, 
I was preserved from it. 

The pious instructions of my parents w^re often fresh 
in my mind when I happened to be among wick(?d 
children, and w^ere of use to me. My parents having a 
large family of children, used frequently on first-days 
after meeting, to put us to read in the Holy Scriptures, 
or some religious books, one after another, the rest sitting 
by without much conversation ; which, I have since often 
thought, w^as a good practice. From what I had read 
and heard, I believed there had been, in past ages, peo- 
ple who walked in uprightness before God, in a degree 
exceeding any that I knew^ or heard of, now living: and 
the apprehension of there being less steadiness and firm- 
ness amongst people in this age than in past ages, often 
troubled me while I was a child. 

A thing remarkable in my childhood was, that once 
going to a neighbour's house, I saw^ on the way, a robin 
sitting on her nest, and as I came near she went off, but, 
having young ones, flew about and with many cries ex- 
pressed her concern for them. I stood and threw stones 
at her, till one striking her, she fell down dead : at first I 
was pleased with the exploit, but after a few minutes 
was seized with horror, for having, in a sportive way, 
killed an innocent creature while she was careful for her 
young. I beheld her lying dead, and thought those 
young ones, for which she was so careful, must now perish 
for want of their dam to nourish them ; and after some 
painful considerations on the subject, I climbed up the 
tree, took all the young birds and killed them, supposing 
that better than to leave them to pine away and die 
miserably ; and believed, in this case, that (Scripture pro* 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 21 

v^erb was fulfilled, «'The tender mercies of the wicked 
are cruel." I then went on my errand, but, for some 
hours, could think of little else but the cruelties I had 
committed, and was much troubled. Thus He, whose 
tender mercies are over all his works, hath placed a prin- 
ciple in the human mind, which incites to exercise good- 
ness towards every living creature ; and this being singly 
attended to, people become tender-hearted and sympa- 
thizing; but being frequently and totally rejected, the 
mind becomes shut up in a contrary disposition. 

About the twelfth year of my age, my father being 
abroad, my mother reproved me for some misconduct, 
to which I made an un dutiful reply ; and the next first- 
day, as I was with my father returning from meeting, he 
told me he understood I had behaved amiss to my mother, 
and advised me to be more careful in future. I knew 
myself blameable, and in shame and confusion remained 
silent. Being thus awakened to a sense of my wicked- 
ness, I felt remorse in my mind, and getting home, I re- 
tired and prayed to the Lord to forgive me; and do not 
remember that I ever, after that, spoke unhandsomely to 
either of my parents, however foolish in some other 
things. 

Having attained the age of sixteen years, I began to 
love wanton company ; and though I w^as preserved from 
profane language, or scandalous conduct, still I perceived 
a plant in me which produced many wild grapes. Yet 
my merciful Father forsook me not utterly, but at times, 
through his grace, I was brought seriously to consider 
my ways ; and the sight of my backslidings aflfected me 
with sorrow^; but for want of rightly attending to the 
reproofs of instruction, vanity was added to vanity, and 
repentance to repentance. Upon the whole, my mind 



22 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

was more and more alienated from the Truth, and I has* 
tened toward destruction. While I meditate on the 
gulf towards which I travelled, and reflect on my youthful 
disobedience, for these things I weep, mine eye runneth 
down with water. 

Advancing in age, the number of my acquaintance 
increased, and thereby my way grew more difficult. 
Though I had found comfort in reading the Holy Scrip- 
tures, and thinking on heavenly things, I was now es- 
tranged therefrom. I knew^ that I w^as going from the 
flock of Christ, and had no resolution to return; hence 
serious reflections were uneasy to me, and youthful vani- 
ties and diversions my greatest pleasure. Running in 
this road I found many like myself; and we associated 
in that which is the reverse to true friendship. 

But in this swift race it pleased God to visit me w4th 
sickness, so that I doubted of recovering; and then did 
darkness, horror and amazement, with full force, seize 
me, even when my pain and distress of body were very 
great. I thought it would have been better for me never 
to have had a being, than to see the day w^hich I now 
saw. I was filled with confusion ; and in great affliction, 
both of mind and body, I lay and bewailed myself. I 
had not confidence to lift up my cries to God, whom I 
had thus offended ; but in a deep sense of my great folly, 
I w^as humbled before him: and at length, that word 
which is as a fire and a hammer, broke and dissolved my 
rebellious heart, and then my cries w^ere put up in con- 
trition ; and in the multitude of his mercies I found in- 
ward relief, and felt a close engagement, that if he was 
pleased to restore my health, I might walk humbly be- 
fore him. 

After my recovery, this exercise remained with me a 



£.IFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 23 

considerable time ; but by degrees, giving vvay to youth- 
ful vanities, they gained strength, and getting with wanton 
young people I lost ground. The Lord had been very 
gracious, and had spoken peace to me in the time of my 
distress; and I now most ungratefully turned again to 
folly ; on which account, at times, I felt sharp reproof, 
but did not get low enough to cry for help. I was not 
so hardy as to commit things scandalous ; but to exceed 
in vanity and promote mirth, were my chief study. Still 
I retained a love and esteem for pious people ; and their 
company brought an aw^e upon me. My dear parents, 
several times admonished me in the fear of the Lord, and 
their admonition entered into my heart, and had a good 
effect for a season ; but not getting deep enough to pray 
rightly, the tempter, when he came, found entrance. I 
remember that once, having spent a part of the day in 
wantonness, as I went to bed at night, a Bible lay in a 
window near my bed, which I opened, and first cast my 
eye on the text, ''we lie dow^n in our shame, and our 
confusion covers us ;" this I knew to be my case ; and 
meeting with so unexpected a reproof, I was somewhat 
affected w^ith it, and went to bed under remorse of con- 
science ; which I soon cast off again. 

Thus time passed on : my heart was replenished w^th 
mirth and w^antonness, while pleasing scenes of vanity 
were presented to my imagination, till I attained the age 
of eighteen years; near which time I felt the judgments 
of God in my soul, like a consuming fire ; and looking 
over my past life, the prospect was moving. I was often 
sad, and longed to be delivered from those vanities ; 
then again, my heart was strongly inclined to them, and 
there \vas in me a sore conflict. At times I turned to 
folly , and then sorrow and confusion took hold of mo 



24 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

In a while, I resolved totally to leave off some of my 
vanities ; but there was a secret reserve in my heart, of 
the more refined part of them, and I was not low enough 
to find true peace. Thus, for some months, I had great 
troubles, there remaining in me an unsubjected will, 
which rendered my labours fruitless, till at length, through 
the merciful continuance of heavenly visitations, I was 
made to bow down in spirit before the Lord. I remem- 
ber one evening I had spent some time in reading a pious 
author ; and walking out alone, I humbly prayed to the 
Lord for his help, that I might be delivered from all 
those vanities which so ensnared me. Thus, being 
brought low, he helped me; and as I learned to bear 
the cross, I felt refreshment to come from his presence ; 
but not keeping in that strength Avhich gave victory, I 
lost ground again ; the sense of which greatly affected 
me ; and I sought deserts and lonely places, and there 
with tears did confess my sins to God, and humbly 
craved help of him. I may say with reverence, he was 
near to me in my troubles, and in those times of humilia- 
tion opened my ear to discipline. I was now led to look 
seriously at the means by which I was drawn from the 
pure truth, and learned this, that if I would live in the 
life which the faithful servants of God lived in, I must 
not go into company as heretofore, in my own will ; but 
all the cravings of sense must be governed by a Divine 
principle. In times of sorrow and abasement, these in- 
structions were sealed upon me, and I felt the power of 
(.'hrist prevail over selfish desires, so that I was preserved 
in a good degree of steadiness ; and being young, and 
believing, at that time, that a single life was best for me, 
I was strengthened to keep from such company as had 
often been a snare to me. 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN 25 

I kept steadily to meetings ; spent first-day afurnoon 
chiefly in reading the Scriptures, and other good books ; 
and was early convinced in my mind, that true religion 
consisted in an inward life, w^herein the heart doth love 
and reverence God the Creator, and learns to exercise 
true justice and goodness, not only toward all men, but 
also toward the brute creatures. That as the mind is 
moved by an inward principle, to love God as an invisi- 
ble, incomprehensible Being ; by the same principle it 
is moved to love him in all his manifestations in the visi- 
ble world. That, as by his breath the flame of life was 
kindled in all sensible creatures, to say we love God as 
unseen, and, at the same time, exercise cruelty toward 
the least creature moving by his life, or by life derived 
from him, is a contradiction in itself. 

I found no narrowness respecting sects and opinions : 
but believed, that sincere, upright-hearted people, in 
every society, who truly love God, were accepted of him. 

As I lived under the cross, and simply followed the 
openings of Truth, my mind, from day to day, was more 
enlightened ; my former acquaintance were left to judge 
of me as they would, for I found it safest for me to live 
in private, and to keep these things sealed up in my own 
breast. While I silently ponder on that change wrought 
in me, I find no language equal to [describe] it, nor any 
means to convey to another a clear idea of it. I looked 
upon the works of God in this visible creation, and an 
awfulness covered me ; my heart was tender, and often 
contrite, and universal love to my fellow-creatures in- 
creased in me : this will be understood by such who 
have trodden in the same path. 

Some glances of real beauty may be seen in their faces 
who dwell in true meekness. There is a harmony in the 

C 



26 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

sound of that voice to which Divine love gives utterance, 
and sc me appearance of right order in their temper and 
conduct, whose passions are regulated; yet all these do 
not fully show forth that inward life to such who have 
not felt it : but this white stone and new name are known 
rightly to such only who have them. 

Though I had been thus strengthened to bear the 
cross, I still found myself in great danger, having many 
weaknesses attending me, and strong temptations to 
wrestle with ; in the feeling whereof I frequently with- 
drew into private places, and often with tears besought 
the Lord to help me, whose gracious ear was open to 
my cry. 

All this time I lived with my parents, and wrought on 
the plantation; and having had schooling pretty well for 
a planter, I used to improve it in winter evenings, and 
other leisure times ; and being now in the tw enty-first 
year of my age, a man, in much business at shop-keep- 
ing and baking, asked me if I would hire with him to 
tend shop and keep books. I acquainted my father with 
the proposal ; and, after some deliberation, it w^as agreed 
for me to go. 

At home I had lived retired ; and now^ having a pros- 
pect of being much in the way of company, I felt fre- 
quent and fervent cries in my heart to God, the Fathei 
of mercies, that he would preserve me from all taint and 
corruption ; that, in this more public employment, I 
might serve Him, my gracious Redeemer, in that humility 
and self-denial, wath which I had been, in a small degree, 
exercised in a more private life. The man \\ho em- 
ployed me, furnished a shop in Mount Holly, about five 
miles from my father's house, and six from his own; 
and there I lived alone, and tende i his shop. Shortly 



LIFE 'F rOHN WOOLMAN. 2*7 

after my settlement here, I was visited by several young 
people, my former acquaintance, who knew^ not but vani- 
ties would be as agreeable to me now as ever ; and, a* 
these times, I cried to the Lord in secret for wisdom 
and strength ; for I felt myself encompassed with diffi- 
culties, and had fresh occasion to bewail the follies of 
time past, in contracting a familiarity with libertine peo- 
ple : and as I had now left my father's house outwardly, 
I found my heavenly Father to be merciful to me beyond 
what I can express. 

By day I was much amongst people^ and had many 
trials to go through ; but in the evenings, I was mostly 
alone, and may with thankfulness acknowledge that, in 
those times, the spirit of supplication was often poured 
upon me ; under which I was frequently exercised, and 
felt my strength renewed. 

In a few^ months after I came here, my master bought 
several Scotchmen as servants, from on board a vessel, 
and brought them to Mount Holly to sell ; one of whom 
was taken sick, and died. 

In the latter part of his sickness, he, being delirious, 
used to curse and swear most sorrowfully ; and the next 
night after his burial, I was left to sleep alone in the 
same chamber where he died. I perceived in me a 
timorousness ; I knew, however, that I had not injured 
the man, but assisted in taking care of him according to 
my capacity ; and was not free to ask any one, on that 
occasion, to sleep with me : nature was feeble ; but every 
trial was a fresh incitement to give myself up wholly to 
the service of God, for I found no l.elper like him in 
times of trouble. 

After a while, my former acquaintance gave over ex- 
pecting me as one of their company ; and I began to be 



28 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Known to some whose conversation w^as helpful to me. 
As 1 had experienced the love of God, through Jesus 
Christ, to redeem me from many pollutions, and to be a 
succour to me through a sea of conflicts, with which no 
person was fully acquainted, and as my heart was often 
enlarged in this heavenly principle, I felt a tender com- 
passion for the youth, who remained entangled in snares 
like those which had entangled me from one time to an- 
other ; this love and tenderness increased ; and my mind 
was more strongly engaged for the good of my fellow- 
creatures. I went to meetings in an awful frame of 
mind, and endeavoured to be inwardly acquainted with 
the language of the true Shepherd ; and one day, being 
under a strong exercise of spirit, I stood up, and said 
some words in a meeting ; but not keeping close to the 
Divine opening, I said more than was required of me ; 
and being soon sensible of my error, I was afflicted in 
mind some weeks, without any light or comfort, even to 
such a degree that I could not take satisfaction in any 
thing. I remembered God, and was troubled ; and, in 
the depth of my distress, he had pity upon me, and sent 
the Comforter. I then felt forgiveness for my offence, 
and my mind became calm and quiet, being truly thank- 
ful to my gracious Redeemer for his mercies; and after 
this, feeling the spring of Divine love opened, and a 
concern to speak, I said a few^ words in a meeting, in 
which I found peace. This, I believe, was about six 
weeks from the first time. As I was thus humbled and 
disciplined under the cross, my understanding became 
more strengthened to distinguish the pure Spirit which 
inwardly moves upon the heart, and taught me to wait 
in silence, sometimes many v eeks together, un'll I feh 



LIFE 01 TOHN AVOOLMAN. 29 

that rise which prepares the creature to stand like a 
trumpet, through which the Lord speaks to his fiock. 

From an inward purifying, and a steadfast abidmg 
under it, springs a Hvely operative desire for the good of 
others : all the faithful are not called to the public minis- 
try ; but w^hoe^er are, are called to minister of that which 
they have tasted and handled spiritually. The outward 
modes of worship are various; but wherever any are 
true ministers of Jesus Christ, it is from the operation of 
his Spirit upon their hearts, first purifying them, and thus 
giving them a just sense of the condition of others. 

This truth was early fixed in my mind ; and I w^as 
taught to watch the pure opening, and to take heed, lest, 
while I was standing to speak, my own will should get 
uppermost, and cause me to utter words from w^ordly 
wisdom, and depart from the channel of the true Gospel 
ministry. In the management of my outward affairs, I 
may say w^ith thankfulness, I found truth to be my sup- 
port; and I was respected in my master's family, who 
came to live in Mount Holly within two years after my 
going there. 

About the twenty-third year of my age, I had many 
fresh and heavenly openings, in respect to the care and 
providence of the Almighty over his creatures in general, 
and over man as the most noble amongst those which are 
visible. And being clearly convinced in my judgment, 
that to place my whole trust in God was best for me, I 
felt renewed engagements, that in all things I might act 
on an inward principle of virtue, and pursue worldly bu- 
siness no further than Truth opened my w^ay therein. 

About the time called Christmas, I observed that many 
people from the country, and dwellers in town, resorting 
to public houses, spent their time in drinking and vain 

c2 



30 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

imports, tending to corrupt one another ; on which accouni 
I was much troubled. At one house in particular, there 
was much disorder ; and I believed it was a duty in- 
cumbent on me to go and speak to the master of that 
house. I considered I was young, and that several 
elderly Friends in town had an opportunity to see these 
things ; but though I would gladly have been excused, 
yet I could not feci my mind clear. 

The exercise w^as heavy: and as I w^as reading what 
the Almighty said to Ezekiel, respecting his duty as a 
watchman, the matter was set home more clearly ; and 
then, with prayers and tears, 1 besought the Lord for his 
assistance, who, in loving kindness, gave me a resigned 
heart. Then, at a suitable opportunity, I went to the 
public house ; and seeing the man amongst much com- 
pany, I went to him, and told him I wanted to speak 
with him ; so w^e went aside, and there, in the fear and 
dread of the Almighty, I expressed to him what rested 
on my mind ; which he took kindly, and afterwards 
showed more regard to me than before. In a few years 
afterwards he died, middle-aged; and I often thought, 
that had I neglected my duty in that case, it w^ouh! have 
given me great trouble ; and I was humbly thank Vi" to 
my gracious Father, who had supported me herein. 

My employer having a negro woman, sold her, z vl 
desired me to write a bill of sale, the man being waiti»v* 
who bought her. The thing was sudden; and though 
the thoughts of writing an instrument of slavery for one 
of my fellow-creatures felt uneasy, yet I remembered 
that I was hired by the year, that it was my master who 
directed me to do it, and that it was an elderly man. b 
member of our Society, who bought her; so, throui.> 
weakness, I gave way, and wrote it ; but, at the ext * 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 31 

cuting of it, I was so afflicted in my mind, that I said, 
before my master and the Friend, that I believed slave- 
keeping to be a practice inconsistent with the Christian 
religion. This in some degree abated my uneasiness ; 
yet, as often as I reflected seriously upon it, I thought I 
should have been clearer, if I had desired to be excused 
from it, as a thing against my conscience ; for such it 
was. Some time after this, a young man of our Society, 
spoke to me to write a conveyance of a slave to him ; 
he having lately taken a negro into his house. I told 
him, I was not easy to write it ; for, though many of our 
meeting, and in other places kept slaves, I still believed 
the practice was not right ; and desired to be excusea 
from the writing. I spoke to him in good will ; and he 
told me, that keeping slaves was not altogether agreeable 
to his mind ; but that the slave being a gift made to his 
wife, he had accepted of her. 



CHAPTER 11, 

His first journeyj on a religious visit, into East Jersey, in com- 
pany with Abraham Farrington — thoughts on merchandizing, 
and learning a trade — second journey, with Isaac Andrews, 
into Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina — 
third journey, with Peter Andrews, through part of West and 
East Jersey — some account of his sister Elizabeth, and her 
death — fourth journey, with Peter Andrews, through New 
York and Long Island, to New England — fifth journey, with 
John Sykee, to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and the lower 
counties on Delaware. 

Mv esteemed friend Abraham Farrington, being about 
to make a visit to Friends on the eastern side of this 



32 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

province, and having no companion, proposed to me tc 
go with him ; and after a conference with some elderly 
Friends, I agreed to go. We set out on the 5th day of 
the ninth month, in the year 1743; and had an evening 
meeting at a tavern in Brunswick, a town in which none 
of our Society dwelt ; the room was full, and the people 
quiet. Thence to Amboy, and had an evening meeting 
in the court-house ; to which came many people, amongst 
whom were several members of assembly, they being in 
town on the public aflairs of the province : in both these 
meetings my ancient companion was enlarged to preach, 
in the love of the Gospel. Thence we went to Wood- 
bridge, Rahway, and Plainfield; and had six or seven 
meetings in places where Friends' meetings are not 
usually held, being made up chiefly of Presbyterians, and 
my beloved companion was frequently strengthened to 
publish the word of life amongst them. As for me, I 
was often silent through the meetings ; and when 1 spake, 
it w^as with much care, that I might speak only what 
Truth opened: my mind was often tender, and I learned 
some profitable lessons. We were out about two weeks. 
Near this time, being on some outward business in 
which several families w^ere concerned, and which was 
attended with difficulties, some things relating thereto 
not being clearly stated, nor rightly understood by all, 
there arose some heat in the minds of the parties, and 
one valuable Friend got off his watch. I had a great 
regard for him, and felt a strong inclination, after matters 
were settled, to speak to him concerning his conduct ih 
that case; but I being a youth, and he far advanced in 
age and experience, my way appeared difficult ; but after 
some days deliberation,* and inward seeking to the Lord 
for assistance, I was made subject; so that I expressed 



LIFE OF JOHN AVOOLMAN. 33 

what lay upon me, in a way which became my yc ath and 
his years: and though it was a hard task to me, it was 
well taken, and, I beliieve, was useful to us both. 

Having now been several years with my employer, and 
he doing less at merchandize than heretofore, I was 
thoughtful of some other way of business ; perceiving 
merchandize to be attended with much cumber, in the 
way of trading in these parts. 

My mind, through the power of Truth, was in a good 
degree weaned from the desire of outward greatness, and 
I was learning to be content with real conveniences, 
that were not costly ; so that a way of life free from 
much entanglement, appeared best for me, though the 
income might be small. I had several offers of business 
that appeared profitable, but did not see my way clear to 
accept of them ; believing the business proposed would 
be attended with more outward care and cumber than it 
was required of me to engage in. 

I saw that a humble man, with the blessing of the 
Lord, might live on a little: and that where the heart 
was set on greatness, success in business did not satisfy 
the craving; but that commonly with an increase of 
w^ealth, the desire of wealth increased. There was a care 
on my mind so to pass my time, that nothing might 
hinder me from the most steady attention to the voice of 
the true Shepherd. 

My employer, though now a retailer of goods, was by 
trade a tailor, and kept a servant man at that business ; 
and I began to think about learning the trade, expecting, 
that if I should settle, I might, by this trade, and a little 
retailing of goods, get a living in a plain way, without 
the load of great business. I mentioned it to my em- 
ployer, and we soon agreed on terms; and then, when 



34 i^lFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

I had leisure from the affairs of merchandize, I worked 
with this man. I believed the hand of Providence point- 
ed out this business for me ; and was taught to be con- 
tent with it, though I felt, at times, a disposition that 
would have sought for something greater. But, through 
the revelation of Jesus Christ, I had seen the happiness 
of humility, and there was an earnest desire in me to 
enter deeply into it ; and, at times, this desire arose to a 
degree of fervent supplication, wherein my soul was so 
environed with heavenly light and consolation, that things 
were made easy to me which had been otherwise. 

After some time, my employer's wife died ; she was a 
virtuous woman, and generally beloved of her neigh- 
bours: and soon after this, he left shop-keeping; and we 
parted. I then wrought at my trade, as a tailor ; care- 
fully attended meetings for worship and discipline ; and 
found an enlargement of Gospel love in my mind, and 
therein a concern to visit Friends in some of the back 
settlements of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Being thought- 
ful about a companion, I expressed it to my beloved 
friend Isaac Andrew^s, who then told me that he had 
drawings to the same places ; and also to go through 
Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina. After considerable 
time passed, and several conferences with him, I felt 
easy to accompany him throughout, if way opened for it. 
I opened the case in our Monthly Meeting, and Friends 
expressing their unity therewith, w^e obtained certificates 
to travel as companions; his from Haddonfield, and 
mine from Burlington. 

We left our province on the 12th day of the thira 
month, in the year 1746, and had several meetings in 
the upper part of Chester county, and near Lancaster; in 
some of which, the love of Christ prevailed, uniting ua 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 35 

together in his service. Then we crossed the river Sus- 
quehanna, and had several meetings in a new settlement, 
called the Red-lands ; the oldest of which, as I was in- 
formed, did not exceed ten years. It is the poorer sort 
of people who commonly begin to improve remote de- 
serts: with a small stock they have houses to build, lands 
to clear and fence, corn to raise, clothes to provide, and 
children to educate ; that Friends, who visit such, may 
well sympathize with them in their hardships in the wil- 
derness ; and though the best entertainment such can 
give, may seem coarse to some who are used to cities, 
or old-settled places, it becomes the disciples of Christ 
to be content with it. Our hearts were sometimes en- 
larged in the love of our heavenly Father amongst these 
people ; and the sweet influence of his Spirit supported 
us through some difficulties : to him be the praise. 

We passed on to Manoquacy, Fairfax, Hopewell, and 
Shanandoah, and had meetings ; some of which were 
comfortable and edifying. From Shanandoah, we set 
off* in the afternoon for the old settlements of Friends in 
Virginia ; and the first night, we, with our pilot, lodged 
in the woods, our horses feeding near us ; but he being 
poorly provided with a horse, and we young and having 
good horses, were free to part with him ; and next day 
did so. In two days after, we reached our friend John 
Cheagle's, in Virginia; and taking the meetings in our 
way through Virginia, were in some degree, baptized into 
a feeling of the conditions of the people ; and our exer- 
cise in general was more painful in these old settlements, 
than it had been amongst the back inhabitants : but 
through the goodness of our heavenly Father, the well 
of living waters was, at times, opened to our encourage- 
ment and the refreshment of the sincere-hearted* We 



36 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

'Nexit on to Perquimon?, in North Carolina ; had severa^ 
^neetings, which were large, and found some openness in 
those parts, and a hopeful appearance amongst the young 
people. We turned again into Virginia, and attended 
most of the meetings which w^e had not been at before, 
labouring amongst Friends in the love of Jesus Christ, 
as ability w^as given ; and thence w ent to the mountains, 
up James River, to a new^ settlement, and had several 
meetings amongst the people, some of whom had lately 
joined in membership with our Society. In our journey- 
ing to and fro, we found some honest-hearted Friends, 
who appeared to be concerned for the cause of Truth, 
among a backsliding people. 

From Virginia, we crossed over the river Potomac, at 
Hoe's ferry, and made a general visit to the meetings of 
Friends on the Western Shore of Maryland, and w^ere at 
their Quarterly Meeting. We had some hard labour 
amongst them, endeavouring to discharge our duty honest- 
ly as way opened, in the love of truth. Taking sundry 
meetings in our way, w^e passed homeward, where, 
through the favour of Divine Providence, we reached, 
the 16th day of the sixth month, in the year 1746 ; and 
I may say, that through the assistance of the Holy Spirit, 
which mortifies selfish desires, my companion and I 
travelled in harmony, and parted in the nearness of true 
brotherly love. 

Two things w^ere remarkable to me in this journey : 
first, in regard to my entertainment ; when I eat, drank, 
and lodged free-cost, with people who lived in ease on 
the hard labour of their slaves, I felt uneasy ; and as my 
mind was inw^ard to the Lord, I found, from place to 
place, this uneasiness return upon me, at times, through 
the whole visit. Where the masters bore a^ good share 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 37 

of the burthen, and lived frugally, so that their serv- 
ants were well provided for, and their labour moderate^ 
I felt more easy; but w^here they lived in a costly way^ 
and laid heavy burthens on their slaves, my exercise 
was often great, and I frequently had conversation with 
them, in private, concerning it. Secondly ; the trade of 
importing slaves from their native country being much 
encouraged amongst them, and the white people and 
their children so generally living without much labour, 
were frequently the subjects of my serious thoughts ; and 
I saw in these southern provinces so many vices and cor- 
ruptions, increased by this trade and this way of life, that 
it appeared to me as a dark gloominess hanging over the 
land ; and though now many willingly run into it, yet in 
future the consequences wdll be grievous to posterity. I 
express it as it hath appeared to me, not at once, or twice, 
but as a matter fixed on my mind. 

Soon after my return home, I felt an increasing con- 
cern for Friends on our sea- coast ; and on the 8th day of 
the eighth month, in the year 1746, with the unity of 
Friends, and in company w^ith my beloved friend and 
neighbour Peter Andrews, brother to my companion 
before-mentioned, I set forward, and visited meetings gen- 
erally about Salem, Cape May, Great and Little Egg Har- 
bour ; and had meetings at Barnagat, Mannahockin, and 
Mane-Squan, and so to the Yearly Meeting at Shrewsbu- 
ry. Through the goodness of the Lord way was opened, 
and the strength of Divine love was sometimes felt in our 
assemblies, to the comfort and help of those who were 
rightly concerned before him. We w^ere out twenty- 
two days, and rode, by computation, three hundred and 
fortv miles. At Shrevsbury Yearly Meeting, we met 

D 



38 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAX. 

with our dear friends Michael Lightfoot and Abraliam 
Farrington, who had good service there. 

The winter following died my eldest sister, Elizabeth 
Woolman, jun., of the smallpox, aged thirty-one years. 
She was, from her youth, of a thoughtful disposition, and 
very compassionate to her acquaintances in their sickness 
or distress, being ready to help as far as she could. She 
was dutiful to her parents ; one instance whereof follows : 
It happened that she, and tw^o of her sisters, being then 
near the estate of young women, had an inclination one 
first-day after meeting to go on a visit to some other 
young women at some distance off, whose company, I 
believe, would have done them no good. They expressed 
their desire to our parents ; who w^ere dissatisfied with 
the proposal, and stopped them. The same day, as my 
sisters and I were together, and they talking about their 
disappointment, Elizabeth expressed her contentment 
under it ; signifying, she believed it might be for their 
good. 

A few^ years after she attained to mature age, through 
the gracious visitations of God's love, she was strength- 
ened to live a self-denying exemplary life, giving herself 
much to reading and meditation. 

The following letter may show, in some degree, her 
disposition : 

Haddonfield, Eleventh Month 1st, 1743. 

Beloved brother, John Woolman — In that love whicfi 
desires the welfare of all men, I write unto thee. I re- 
ceived thine, dated 2nd day of the tenth month las., 
with which I was comforted. My spirit was bowled with 
thankfulness that I should be remembered, who am un- 
worthy ; but the Lord is full of mercy, and his goodness 
is extended to the meanest of his creation ; therefore, in 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 39 

his infinite love, he hath pitied and spared and showed 
mercy, that I have not been cut off nor quite lost ; but, at 
times, I am refreshed and comforted as with the glimpse 
of his presence, which is more to the immortal part, than 
all which this w^orld can afford: so, with desires for thy 
preservation with my own, I remain 

Thy affectionate sister, 

Elizabeth Woolman, Jun. 

The fore part of her illness she was in great sadness 
and dejection of mind, of which she told one of her inti- 
mate friends, and said, when I was a young girl I w^as 
wanton and airy, but I thought I had thoroughly repented 
for it ; and added, I have of late had great satisfaction in 
meetings. Though she was thus disconsolate, still she 
retained a hope, which was an anchor to her : and some 
cime after, the same friend came again to see her, to 
whom shp mentioned her former expressions, and said, 
it is otherwise now, for the Lord hath rew^arded me seven- 
fold; and I am unable to express the greatness of his 
love manifested to me. Her d'sorder appearing danger- 
ous, and our mother being s'/rrowful, she took notice of 
it, and said, dear mother, weep not for me ; I go to my 
Grd: and manytimes, with an audible voice, uttered praise 
CO her Redeemer. 

A Friend coming some miles to see her the morning 
before she died, asked her, how she did ? She answ^ered, 
I have had a hard night, but shall not have another such, 
for T shall die, and it will be well with my soul ; and ac- 
cordingly she died the next evening. 

The following ejaculations were found amongst her 
writings ; written, I believe, at four times : 

li Oh! that my head were as waters, and mine ejes 



40 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

as a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night, 
until acquainted with my God. 

II. O Lord, that I may enjoy thy presence ; or else my 
time is lost, and my life a snare to my soul. 

III. Lord, that I may receive bread from thy table, 
and that thy grace may abound in me. 

IV. Lord, that I may be acquainted with thy pre- 
sence, that I may be seasoned wdth thy salt, that thy 
grace may abound in me. 

Of late I found drawings in my mind to visit Friends 
in New England, and having an opportunity of joining 
in company wdth my beloved friend Peter Andrews, we 
obtained certificates from our Monthly Meeting, and set 
forward on the 16th day of the third month, in the year 
1747, and reached the Yearly Meeting at Long Island ; 
at which w^ere our friends Samuel Nottingham from Eng- 
land, John Griffith, Jane Hoskins, and Elizabeth Hudson, 
from Pennsylvania, and Jacob Andrews, from Chester- 
field ; several of whom were favoured in their public ex- 
ercise ; and, through the goodness of the Lord, we had 
some edifying meetings. After this, my companion and 
I visited Friends on Long Island ; and, through the mer- 
cies of God, were helped in the work. 

Besides going to the settled meetings of "Friends, we 
w^ere at a general meeting at Setawket, chiefly made up 
of other societies, and had a meeting at Oyster Bay, in a 
dwelling-house, at which were many people : at the first 
of which there was not much said by w^ay of te^a- 
mony ; but it was, I believe, a good meeting : at the lat- 
ter, through the springing up of living waters, it w^as a 
day to be thankfully remembered. Having visited the 
island, w^e w^ent over to the main, taking meetings in our 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 41 

way to Oblong, Nine-Partners and New Milford. In 
these back settlements we met with several people, who, 
through the immediate workings of the Spirit of Christ 
on their minds, were drawn from the vanities of the 
world, to an inw^ard acquahitance with him : they were 
educated in the way of the Presbyterians. A considerable 
number of the youth, members of that Society, w^ere used 
to spend their time often together in merriment, but 
some of the principal young men of that company being 
visited by the powerful workings of the Spirit of Christ, 
and thereby led humbly to take up his cross, could no 
longer join in those vanities; and as these stood stead- 
fast to that inward convincement, they were made a bles- 
sing to some of their former companions ; so that, through 
the power of Truth, several were brought into a close ex- 
ercise concerning the eternal well-being of their souls. — 
These young people continued for a time to frequent 
their public worship ; and besides that, had meetings of 
their own ; which meetings were a while allowed by their 
preacher, who sometimes met with them : but, in time, 
their judgment in matters of religion disagreeing with 
some of the articles of the Presbyterians, their meetings 
were disapproved by that Society ; and such of them who 
stood firm to their duty, as it was inwardly manifested, 
had many difficulties to go through. Their meetings 
w^ere in a while dropped ; some of them returning to the 
Presbyterians, and others, after a time, joined our reli- 
gious Society. 

I had conversation with some of the latter, to my help 
and edification ; and believe several of them are acquaint- 
ed with the nature of that worship which is performed 'in 
spirit and in truth. From hence, accompanied by Amos 
Powel, a Friend from Long Island, w^e rode thiough 

d2 



42 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Connecticut, chiefly inhabited by Presbyterians; who 
were generally civil to us, so far as I saw : and after 
three days riding, we came amongst Friends in the colony 
of Rhode Island. We visited Friends in and about 
Newport and Dartmouth, and generally in those parts; 
and then went to Boston ; and proceeded eastward as 
far as Dover: then returned to Newport, and not far 
from thence w^e met our friend, Thomas Gawthrop, from 
England, who was then on a visit to these provinces. 
From Newport we sailed to Nantucket ; were there 
nearly a week, and from thence came over to Dartmouth : 
and having finished our visits in these parts, we crossed 
the sound from New London to Long Island ; and tak- 
ing some meetings on the island, proceeded homeward ; 
W'here we reached the 13th day of the seventh month, in 
the year 1 747, having rode about fifteen hundred miles, 
and sailed about one hundred and fifty. 

In this journey, I may say in general, we were some- 
times in much weakness, and laboured under discourage- 
ments ; and at other times, through the renewed mani- 
festations of Divine love, we had seasons of refreshment, 
wherein the power of Truth prevailed. 

We were taught, by renewed experience, to labour for 
an inward stillness ; at no time to seek for words, but to 
live in the Spirit of Truth, and utter that to the people 
which Truth opened in us. My beloved companion and 
I belonged to one meeting, came forth in the ministry 
near the same time, and were inw^ardly united in the 
work : he was about thirteen years older than I, bore the 
heaviest burthen, and was an instrument of the greatest 
use. 

Finding a concern to visit Friends in the lower coun- 
ties on Delaware, and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 43 

and having an opportunity to join with my well-beloved 
ancient friend John Sykes, w^e obtained certificates, and 
set off the 7th day of the eighth month, in the year 1748 ; 
were at the meetings of Friends in the lower counties, 
attended the Yearly Meeting at Little Creek, and made 
a visit to most of the meetings on the Eastern Shore ; 
and so home by the way of Nottingham : were abroad 
about six weeks ; and rode, by computation, about five 
hundred and fifty miles. 

Oar exercise, at times, w^as heavy ; but, through the 
goodness of the Lord, we were often refreshed : and I 
may say, by experience, '' He is a strong hold in the day 
of trouble." Though our Society, in these parts, ap- 
peared to me to be in a declining condition ; yet, I be- 
lieve the Lord hath a people amongst them, who labour 
to serve him uprightly, but have many difficulties to 
encounter. 



CHAPTER III. 

His marriage — the death of his father — his journeys into the upper 
part of New Jersey, and afterwards into Pennsylvania — con- 
siderations on keeping slaves — visits to the families of 
Friends at several times and places — an epistle from the 
General Meeting — ^journey to Long Island — considerations 
on trading, and on the use of spirituous liquors and costly 
apparel — letter to a Friend. 

About this time believing it good for me to settle, 
and thinking seriously about a companion, my heart was 
turned to the Lord, with desires that he w^ould give me 
wisdom to proceed therein agreeably to his will ; and 
He was pleased to give me a well-inclined damsel, Sarah 



44 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Ellis ; to whom I was married the I8th day of the eighth 
month, in the year 1749. 

In the fall of the year 1750, died my father, Samuel 
Woolman, with a fever, aged about sixty* years. 

In his life-time he manifested much care for us his 
children, that in our youth we might learn to fear the 
Lord; often endeavouring to imprint in our minds the 
true principles of virtue, and particulaily to cherish in us 
a spirit of tenderness, not only towards poor people, but 
also towards all creatures of which we had the command. 

After my return from Carolina, in the year 1746, I 
made some observations on keeping slaves, which some 
time before his decease I showed him. He perused the 
manuscript, proposed a few alterations, and appeared 
well satisfied that I found a concern on that account. — 
In his last sickness, as I was watching with him one 
night, he being so far spent that there was no expectation 
of his recover}', but had the perfect use of his under- 
standing, he asked me concerning the manuscript, whe- 
ther I expected soon to proceed to take the advice of 
Friends in publishing it ? and, after some conversation 
thereon, said, I have all along been deeply affected with 
the oppression of the poor negroes ; and now, at last, my 
concern for them is as great as ever. 

He made mention of his end, which he believed wac 
now^ near ; and signified, that though he was sensible of 
many imperfections in the course of his life, yet his ex- 
perience of the power of Truth, and of the love and 
goodness of God from time to time, even until now, was 
such, that he had no doubt but that in leaving this life he 
should enter into one more happy. 

The next day his sister Elizabeth came to see him, 
and told him of the d('':;ease of their sister Ann ; who 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 45 

died a few days before. He said, I reckon sister Ann 
(vas free to leave this world ? Elizabeth said, she was: 
he then said, I also am free to leave it ; and being in 
great weakness of body, said, I hope I shall shortly go 
to rest. He continued in a weighty frame of mind, and 
was sensible until near the last. 

On the 2d day of the ninth month, in the year 1751, 
feeling drawings in my mind to visit Friends at the 
Great Meadows, in the upper part of West Jersey, with 
the unity of our Monthly Meeting, I went there ; and had 
some searching laborious exercise amongst Friends in 
those parts, and found peace therein. 

In the ninth month of the year 1753, in company with 
my well-esteemed friend John Sykes, and with the unity 
of Friends, I travelled about two weeks, visiting Friends 
in Bucks County. We laboured in the love of the Gos- 
pel, according to the measure received ; and, through 
the mercies of Him, who is strength to the poor who 
trust in him, we found satisfaction in our visit. In the 
next winter, way opening to visit Friends' families within 
the compass of our Monthly Meeting, partly by the labours 
of two Friends from Pennsylvania, I joined in some part 
of the work ; having had a desire for some time that it 
might go forward amongst us. 

About this time, a person at some distance lying sick, 
his brother came to me to write his will. I knew he hajd 
slaves ; and asking his brother, was told he intended to 
. leave them as slaves to his children. x\s waiting is a 
profitable employ, and as offending sober people was 
disagreeable to my inclination, I was straitened in my 
mind ; but as I looked to the Lord, he inclined my heart 
to his testimony. I told the man, that I believed the 
practice of continuing slaverj' to this people was not 



46 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

right, and had a scruple in my mind against doing wric< 
ings of that kind : that though many in our Society kept 
them as slaves, still I was not easy to be concerned irj 
it ; and desired to be excused from going to write the 
will. I spake to him in the fear of the Lord ; and he 
made no reply to what I said, but went away: he also 
had some concern in the practice ; and I thought he was 
displeased with me. In this case I had a fresh confirma- 
tion, that acting contrary to present outward interest, 
from a motive of Divine love, and in regard to truth and 
righteousness, and thereby incurring the resentments of 
people, opens the way to a treasure better than silver, 
and to a friendship exceeding the friendship of men. 

The manuscript before mentioned having laid by me 
several years, the publication of it rested weightily upon 
me ; and this year I oflered it to the revisal of Friends, 
who, having examined and made some small alterations 
in it, directed a number of copies thereof to be published 
and dispersed amongst Friends. 

In the year 1754, 1 found my mind drawn to join in a 
> isit to Friends' families belonging to Chesterfield Month- 
ly Meeting; and having the approbation of our own, I 
w ent to their Monthly Meeting in order to. confer with 
Friends, and see if way opened for it. I had conference 
with some of their members, the proposal having been 
opened before in their meeting, and one Friend agreed 
to join with me as a companion for a beginning; but 
when meeting was ended, I felt great distress of mind, 
and doubted what way to take, or whether to go home 
and wait for greater clearness. I kept my distress secret ; 
and going with a Friend to his house, my desires were 
to the great Shepherd for his heavenly instruction ; and 
in the morning I felt easy to proceed on the visit, being 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 47 

Very low in my mind : and as mine eye was turned to 
the Lord, w^aiting in families in deep reverence before 
him, he was pleased graciously to ailbrd help ; so that 
we had many comfortable opportunities, and it appeared 
as a fresh visitation to some young people. I spent 
several weeks this winter in the service , part of which 
time was employed near home. In the following wintei 
I was several wrecks in the same service ; some part 
of the time at Shrewsbury, in company with my beloved 
friend John Sykes ; and have cause humbly to acknow- 
ledge, that through the goodness of the Lord, our hearts 
were, at times, enlarged in his love ; and strength was 
given to go through the trials, which, in the course of our 
visit, attended us. 

From a disagreement between the powers of England 
and France, it was now a time of trouble on this conti- 
nent; and an epistle to Friends went forth from our 
Gc^neral Spring meeting, which I thought good to give a 
place in this journal. 

An Epistle from our General Spring meeting of ministers 
and elders^ for Pennsylvania and JVew Jersey^ held at 
Philadelphia^ from the 29th of the third months to the 1st 
of the fourth month^ inclusive^ 1755: To Friends on the 
continent of America. 

Dear Friends, 
In an humble sense of Divine goodness, and the gra- 
cious continuation of God's love to his people, we 
tenderly salute you ; and are at this time therein engaged 
in mind, that all of us who profess the Truth, as held 
forth and published by our worthy predecessors in this 
latter age of the world, may keep near to that Life which 
is the Light of men, and be strengthened to hold fast the 



48 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

profession of our faith without wavering, that our trust 
may not be in man, but in the Lord alone, who ruleth 
in the army of heaven, and in the kingdoms of men, 
before whom the earth is '' as the dust of the balance, 
and her inhabitants as grasshoppers." 

We, being convinced that the gracious design of the 
Almighty in sending his Son into the world, was to re- 
pair the breach made by disobedience, to finish sin and 
transgression, that his kingdom might come, and his will 
be done on earth as it is in heaven, have found it to be 
our duty to cease from those national contests productive 
of misery and bloodshed, and submit our cause to Him the 
Most High, whose tender love to his children exceeds 
the most warm aflections of natural parents, and who 
hath promised to his seed throughout the earth, as to one 
individucd, '^I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." 
And as we, through the gracious dealings of the Lord 
our God, have had experience of that work which is car- 
ried on '' not by earthly might, nor by power, but by my 
Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts ;" by which operation, 
that spiritual kingdom is set up, which is to subdue and 
break in pieces all kingdoms that oppose it, and shall 
stand forever ; in a deep sense thereof, and of the safety, 
stability and peace there is in it, we are desirous that all 
who profess the Truth, may be inwardly acquainted with 
it, and thereby be qualified to conduct in all parts of our 
life as becomes our peaceable profession. And we trust, 
as there is a faithful continuance to depend wholly upon 
the Almighty arm, from one generation to another, the 
peaceable kingdom will gradually be extended ''from 
sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth," 
to the completion of those prophecies already begun, 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 19 

that "nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, no: 
learn war any more." 

And, dearly beloved friends, seeing we have these 
promises, and believe that God is beginning to fulfil 
them, let us constantly endeavour to have our minds suf- 
ficiently disentangled from the surfeiting cares of this 
life, and redeemed from the love of the world, that no 
earthly possessions or enjoyments may bias our judg- 
ments, or turn us from that resignation, and entire trust 
in God, to which his blessing is most surely annexed; 
then may we say, '^ Our Redeemer is mighty, he will 
plead our cause for us." And if, for the further pro- 
moting of his most gracious purposes in the earth, he 
should give us to taste of that bitter cup which his faith- 
ful ones have often partaken of; O that we may be rightly 
prepared to receive it ! 

And now, dear friends, with respect to the commo- 
tions and stirrings of the powers of the earth at this time 
near us, v/e are desirous that none of us may be moved 
thereat; ''but repose ourselves in the munition of that 
Rock, that all these shakings shall not move, even in the 
knowledge and feeling of the eternal power of God, 
keeping us subjectly given up to his heavenly will, and 
feel it daily to mortify that which remains in any of us 
which is of this world : for the worldly part in any, is 
the changeable part, and that is up and down, full and 
empty, joyful and sorrowful, as things go well or ill in 
this world. For as the Truth is but one, and many are 
made partakers of its spirit, so the world is but one, and 
many are made partakers of the spirit of it; and as 
many as do partake of it, will be straitened and perplex- 
ed with it. But they who are single to the Truth, waiting 
daily to feel the life and virtue of it in the'r hearts, shal' 

E 



50 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

rejoice in the midst of adversity," anc have to experieni^e 
with the prophet, that ^' Ahhough the- fig tree shall not 
olossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines ; the labour of 
the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat ; 
the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall 
be no herd in the stall : yet will they rejoice in the Lord, 
and joy in the God of their salvation." 

If, contrary to this, we profess the Truth, and not living 
under the power and influence of it, are producing fruits 
disagreeable to the purity thereof, and trust to the strength 
of man to support ourselves therein, our confidence will 
be vain. For He, who removed the hedge from his 
vineyard, and gave it to be trodden under foot, by rea- 
son of the wild grapes it produced, Isaiah v, 5, remains 
unchangeable : and if, for the chastisement of wicked- 
ness, and further promoting his own glor}^, he doth arise, 
even to shake terribly the earth, who then may oppose 
him, and prosper! 

We remain, in the love of the Gospel, your friends 
and brethren. 

Signed by fourteen Friends. 

Scrupling to do writings relative to keeping slaves, 
having been a means of sundry small trials to me, in 
which I have e^ idently felt my own will set aside, I think 
it good to mention a few^ of them. Tradesmen and re- 
tailers of goods, who depend on their business for a 
living, are naturally inclined to keep the good will of 
their customers ; nor is it a pleasant thing for young men 
to be under a necessity to question the judgment or 
honesty of elderly men, and more especially of such 
who have a fair reputation. Deep rooted customs, though 
wrong, are not easily altered ; but it is the duty of ev^ry 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 51 

one to be firm in that which they certainly know is right 
for them. A charitable benevolent man, well acquainted 
with a negro, may, I believe, under some circumstances, 
keep him in his family as a servant, on no other motives 
than the negro's good ; but man, as man, knows not 
what shall be after him, nor hath he any assurance that 
his children wi.l attain to that perfection in wisdom and 
goodness, necessary rightly to exercise such power. 
Hence it is clear to me, that I ought not to be the scribe 
where wills are drawn, in w^hich some children are made 
absolute masters over others during life. 

About this time, an ancient man of good esteem in the 
neighbourhood, came to my house to get his w^ill written. 
He had young negroes ; and I asked him privately, how 
he purposed to dispose of them? he told me: I then 
said, I cannot write thy will without breaking my own 
peace, and respectfully gave him my reasons for it. He 
signified that he had a choice that I should have written 
it ; but as I could not, consistent wuth my conscience, he 
did not desire it : and so he got it written by some other 
person. A few years after, there being great alterations 
in his family, he came again to get me to write his will : 
his negroes were yet young, and his son, to whom he 
intended to give them, was, since he first spoke to me, 
from a libertine, become a sober young man; and he 
supposed that I would be free, on that account, to wTite 
it. We had much friendly talk on the subject, and then 
deferred it : a few days after, he came again and direct- 
ed their freedom; and so I wrote his will. 

Near the time the last-mentioned Friend first spoke to 
me, a neighbour received a bad bruise in his body, and 
sent for me to bleed him ; which being done, he desired 
me to write hi.-^ will. I took notes ; and amongst other 



52 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

things, he told me to which of his children he gave his 
young negro. I considered the pain and distress he was 
in, and knew not how it would end ; so I wrote his w^ill, 
save only that part concerning his slave, and carrying it 
to his bedside, read it to him ; and then told him in a 
friendly way, that I could not write any instrument by 
which my fellow-creatures were made slaves, without 
bringing trouble on my mind. I let him know that I 
charged nothing for what I had done ; and desired to be 
excused from doing the other part in the w^ay he pro- 
posed : w^e then had a serious conference on the subject; 
and at length, he agreeing to set her free, I finished his 
will. 

Having found drawings in my mind to visit Friends 
on Long Island, after obtaining a certificate from our 
Monthly Meeting, I set oflf on the 12th day of the fifth 
month, in the year 1756. When I reached the island, I 
lodged the first night at the house of my dear friend 
Richard Hallet. Next day being the first of the week, 
I was at the meeting at Newtown ; in which we expe- 
rienced the renewed manifestations of the love of Jesus 
Christ, to the comfort of the honest-hearted. I went 
that night to Flushing ; and the next day, in company 
w^ith my beloved friend Matthew Franklin, we crossed 
the ferry at White-stone ; were at three meetings on the 
main, and then returned to the island, where I spent the 
remainder of the week in visiting meetings. The Lord, 
I believe, hath a people in those parts, who are honestly 
inclined to serve him ; but many, I fear, are too much 
clogged with the things of this life, and do not come 
forward, bearing the cross, in such faithfulness as he 
calls for. 

My mind was deeply engaged in this \isit, both in 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 53 

public and private ; and at several places where I was, on 
observing that they had slaves, I found myself under a 
necessity, in a friendly way, to labour with them on that 
subject; expressing, as way opened, the inconsistency 
of that practice with the purity of the Christian religion, 
and the ill effects of it, manifested amongst us. 

The latter end of the week, their Yearly Meeting be- 
gan ; at which were our friends John Scarborough, Jane 
Hoskins and Susannah Brown, from Pennsylvania : the 
public meetings were large, and measurably favoured 
with Divine goodness. 

The exercise of my mind at this meeting, was chiefly 
on account of those who were considered as the foremost 
rank in the Society : and in a meeting of ministers and 
elders, way opened, so that I expressed in some measure 
what lay upon me ; and at a time when Friends were met 
for transacting the affairs of the church, having sat awhile 
silent, I felt a weight on my mind, and stood up ; and 
through the gracious regard of our heavenly Father, 
strength was given fully to clear myself of a burthen, 
which for some days had been increasing upon me. 

Through the humbling dispensations of Divine Provi- 
dence, men are sometimes fitted for his service. The 
messages of the prophet Jeremiah were so disagreeable 
to the people, and so reverse to the spirit they lived in, 
that he became the object of their reproach ; and in the 
weakness of nature, thought of desisting from his pro- 
j)hetic office ; but, saith he, " His word was in my heart 
as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary 
with forbearing, and could not stay." I saw at this 
time, that if I was honest in declaring that which Truth 
opened in me, I could not please all men ; and laboured 
to be content in the way of my duty, however disagree- 

22 



54 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

able to my own inclination. After this I went homeward, 
taking Woodbridge and Plainfield in my way ; in both 
which meetings, the pure influence of Divine love was 
manifested ; in an humbling sense whereof I went home : 
having been out about twenty-four days, and rode about 
"^hree hundred and sixteen miles. 

While on this journey, my heart was much affected 
with a sense of the state of the churches in our southern 
provinces ; and believing the Lord was calling me to 
some further labour amongst them, I was bowed in rev- 
erence before him, with fervent desires that I might find 
strength to resign myself to his heavenly will. 

Until this year, 1756, I continued to retail goods, be- 
sides following my trade as a tailor ; about which time I 
grew uneasy on account of my business growing too 
cumbersome. I had begun with selling trimmings for 
garments, and from thence proceeded to sell cloths and 
linens ; and at length, having got a considerable shop of 
goods, my trade increased every year, and the road to 
large business appeared open ; but I felt a stop in my 
mind. 

Through the mercies of the Almighty, I had, in a good 
degree, learned to be content with a plain way of living: 
I had but a small family; and on serious consideration, I 
believed Truth did not require me to engage in many 
cumbering affairs. It had been my general practice to 
buy and sell things really useful ; things that served 
chiefly to please the vain mind in people, I was not easy 
to trade in ; seldom did it ; and whenever I did, I found 
it to weaken me as a Christian. 

The increase of business became my burthen; for 
though my natural inclination was toward merchandizing, 
yet I believed Truth required me to live more free from 



JCIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 55 

outward cumber ; and there was now a strife in my mind 
between the two. In this exercise my prayers were put 
up to the Lord, who graciously heard me, and gave me 
a heart resigned to his holy will : then I lessened my 
business ; and as I had opportunity, told my customers 
of my intentions, that they might consider what shop to 
turn to : and in awhile, wholly laid down merchandize, 
following my trade as a tailor, myself only, having no 
apprentice. I also had a nursery of apple trees ; in 
which I employed some of my time in hoeing, graft- 
ing, trimming and inoculating. In merchandize it is 
the custom, where I lived, to sell chiefly on credit, and 
poor people often get in debt; and when payment is ex- 
pected, not having w^herewith to pay, their creditors 
often sue for it at law. Having often observed occur- 
rences of this kind, I found it good for me to advise poor 
people to take such goods as were most useful and not 
costly. 

In the time of trading, I had an opportunity of seeing 
that the too liberal use of spirituous liquors, and the cus- 
tom of wearing too costly apparel, led some people into 
great inconveniences ; and these two things appear to be 
often connected one w^ith the other. By not attending 
to that use of things w^hich is consistent with univer- 
sal righteousness, there is an increase of labour, which 
extends beyond w^hat our heavenly Father intends for us ; 
by great labour, and often by much sweating, there is^ 
even among such w^ho are not drunkards, a craving of 
some liquors to revive the spirits : that, partly by the* 
luxurious drinking of some, and partly by the drinking 
of others, led to it through immoderate labour, very great 
Quantities of rum are every year expended in our colo- 



56 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

:jies ; the greater part of which we should have no need 
of, did we steadily attend to pure wisdom. 

Where men take pleasure in feeling their minds eleva- 
ted with strong drink, and so indulge their appetite as to 
disorder their understandings, neglect their duty as mem- 
bers in a family or in civil society, and cast off all regard 
to religion, their case is much to be pitied ; and where 
such whose lives are for the most part regular, and whose 
examples have a strong influence on the minds of others, 
adhere to some customs which powerfully draw to the 
use of more strong liquor than pure wisdom allows ; this 
also, as it hinders the spreading of the spirit of meekness, 
and strengthens the hands of the more excessive drinkers, 
is a case to be lamented. 

As every degree of luxury hath some connexion with 
evil ; for those who profess to be disciples of Christ, and 
are looked upon as leaders of the people, to have that 
mind in them, which was also in Christ, and so stand 
separate from every wrong way, is a means of help to 
the weaker. As I have sometimes been much spent in 
the heat, and taken spirits to revive me, I have found by 
experience, that in such circumstances the mind is not so 
calm, nor so fitly disposed for Divine meditation, as 
when all such extremes are avoided ; and I have felt an 
increasing care to attend to that holy Spirit which sets 
right bounds to our desiies, and leads those who faith- 
fully follow it, to apply all the gifts of Divine Providence 
to the purposes for which they were intended. Did 
such who have the care of great estates, attend with 
singleness of heart to this heavenly Instructer, which so 
opens and enlarges the mind, that men love their neigh- 
bours as themselves, they would have wisdom given them 
lo manage, without finding occasion to employ some 



LIFE DF JOHN WOOLMAN. 57 

people in the luxuries of life, or to make it necessary for 
others to labour too hard ; but for want of steadily regard- 
ing this principle of Divine love, a selfish spirit takes 
place in the minds of people, which is attended with 
darkness and manifold confusions in the world. 

Though trading in things useful is an honest employ ; 
yet, through the great number of superfluities which are 
bought and sold, and through the corruption of the times, 
they who apply to merchandize for a living, have great 
need to be well experienced in that precept which the 
prophet Jeremiah laid down for his scribe ; '' Seekest 
thou great things for thy self? seek them not." 

In the w^inter, this year, I was engaged with Friends 
in visiting families ; and through the goodness of the 
Lord, we had oftentimes experience of his heart-tendering 
presence amongst us. 

A copy of a letter written to a Friend, 
In this thy late affliction I have found a deep fellow- 
feeling with thee ; and had a secret hope throughout, that 
it might please the Father of mercies to raise thee up, 
and sanctify thy troubles to thee ; that thou being more 
fully acquainted with that way which the world esteems 
foolish, may feel the clothing of Divine fortitude, and be 
strengthened to resist that spirit which leads from the 
simplicity of the everlasting Truth. 

We may see ourselves crippled and halting, and from 
a strong bias to things pleasant and easy, find an impos- 
sibility to advance ; but things impossible wnth men are 
possible with God ; and our wills being made subject to 
his, all temptations are surmountable. 

This work of subjecting the will, is compared to the 
mmeral in the furnace ; which, through fervent heat, is 



58 LIFE OF JOHN (VOOLMAN. 

reduced from its £rst- principle : >^ He refines then as 
silver is refined — He shali sit as a refiner, and purifiei of 
silver." By these comparisons, we are instructed in the 
necessity of the melting operation of the hand of God 
upon us, to prepare our hearts truly to adore him, and to 
manifest that adoration, by inwardly turning away from 
that spirit, in all its workings, which is not of him. To 
forward this w ork, the all-w^ise God is sometimes pleased, 
through outward distress, to bring us near the gates of 
death, that life being painful and afflicting, and the pros- 
pect of eternity open before us, all earthly bonds may be 
loosened, and the mind prepared for that deep and sacred 
instruction, which otherwise W'Ould not be received. If 
kind parents love their children and delight in their hap- 
piness, then He, who is perfect goodness, in sending 
abroad mortal contagions, doth assuredly direct their use. 
Are the righteous removed by it, their change is happy; 
are the wicked taken aw^ay in their wickedness, the 
Almighty is clear. Do we pass through with anguish 
and great bitterness, and yet recover, he intends that we 
should be purged from dross, and our ear opened to dis- 
cipline. 

And now on thy part, after thy sore affliction and 
doubts of recovery, thou art again restored ; forget not 
Him who hath helped thee, but in humble gratitude hold 
fast his instructions, thereby to shun those by-paths which 
lead from the firm foundation. I am sensible of that 
variety of company, to which one in thy business must 
be exposed : I have painfully felt the force of conversa- 
tion proceeding from men deeply rooted in an earthly 
mind, and can sympathize with others in such conflicts, 
.n that much weakness still attends me. 

I find that to be a fool as to worldly wisdom, anu com 



LIFE OF JCHN WOOLMAN. 59 

mit my cause to God, not fearing to offend men, wno take 
3ffence at the simplicity of Truth, is the only way to 
remain unmoved at the sentiments of others. 

The fear of man brings a snare ; by halting in our 
duty, and giving back in the time of trial, our hands 
grow weaker, our spirits get mingled with the people, 
our ears grow dull as to hearing the language of the true 
Shepherd, so that when we look at the way of the right- 
eous, it seems as though it was not for us to follow them. 

There is a love clothes my mind while I write, which 
is superior to all expressions ; and I find my heart open 
to encourage to a holy emulation, to advance in Chris- 
tian firmness. Deep humility is a strong bulwark ; and 
as we enter into it, we find safety and true exaltation : 
the foolishness of God is wiser than man, and the weak- 
ness of God is stronger than man. Being unclothed of 
our own wisdom, and knowing the abasement of the 
creature, therein we find that power to arise, which gives 
health and vigour to us. 



CHAPTER IV. 

His visiting the families of Friends at Burlington — His journey 
to Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina — 
Considerations on the state of Friends there, and the exer- 
cise he was under in travelling among those concerned in 
keeping slaves : with some observations on this subject — His 
epistle to Friends at New Garden and Cane creek — His 
thoughts on the neglect of a religious care in the education 
of the negroes. 

The 13th day of the second month, in the year 1757, 
being tlien in good health, and abroad with Friends visit- 



60 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

ing families, I lodged at a Friend's house in Burlington ; 
and going to bed about the time usual with me, I awoke 
m the night, and my meditations, as I lay, were on the 
goodness and mercy of the Lord ; in a sense whereof 
my heart was contrite. After this, I went to sleep again ; 
and sleeping a short time, I awoke ; it was yet dark, and 
no appearance of day or moonshine ; and as I opened 
mine eyes, I saw a light in my chamber at the apparent 
distance of five feet, about nine inches diameter, of a 
clear easy brightness, and near its centre the most radiant. 
As I lay still without any surprise looking upon it, words 
w^ere spoken to my inward ear, which filled my whole 
inward man : they were not the eflfect of thought, nor 
any conclusion in relation to the appearance, but as the 
language of the Holy One spoken in my mind ; the W'ords 
were. Certain Evidence of Divine Truth ; and were 
again repeated exactly in the same manner ; whereupon 
the light disappeared. 

Feeling the exercise in relation to a visit to the south- 
ern provinces increase upon me, I acquainted our Monthly 
Meeting therewith, and obtained their certificate. Ex- 
pecting to go alone, one of my brothers, who lived in 
Philadelphia, having some business in North Carolina, 
proposed going with me part of the w ay ; but as he had 
a view of some outw^ard affairs, to accept of him as a 
companion seemed some difficulty with me. I had con- 
versation with him at sundry times, and at length, feeling 
easy in my mind, I had conversation with several elderly 
Friends of Philadelphia on the subject ; and he obtain- 
ing a certificate suitable to the occasion, we set off' in the 
fifth month of the year 1757. Coming to Nottingham 
week-day meeting, we lodged at John Churchman's, and 
here I met with our friend Benjamin Buffingt^n, from 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 61 

New England, who was returning from a visit to the 
southern provinces. Thence we crossed the river Sus- 
quehanna, and lodged at William Cox's in Maryland ; 
and soon after I entered this province, a deep and pain- 
ful exercise came upon me, of which I had often had 
some feeling since my mind was drawn toward these 
parts, and with which I had acquainted my brother be- 
fore we agreed to join as companions. 

As the people in this and the southern provinces live 
much on the labour of slaves, many of whom are used 
hardly, my concern was, that I might attend with single- 
ness of heart to the voice of the true Shepherd, and be 
so supported as to remain unmoved at the faces of men. 

As it is common for Friends on such a visit to have en- 
tertainment free of cost, a difficulty arose in my mind 
with respect to saving my money by kindness received, 
which to me appeared to be the gain of oppression. 

Receiving a gift, considered as a gift, brings the re- 
ceiver under obligations to the benefactor, and has a nat- 
ural tendency to draw the obliged into a party with the 
giver. To prevent difficulties of this kind, and to pre- 
serve the minds of judges from any bias, was that Div ine 
prohibition ; '^ Thou shalt not receive any gift : for a gift 
blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the right- 
eous." As the disciples were sent forth without any pro- 
vision for their journey, and our Lord said the workman 
is worthy of his meat, their labour in the Gospel was 
L^onsidered as a reward for their entertainment, and there- 
fore not received as a gift ; yet, in regard to my present 
journey, I could not see my way clear in that respect. 
The difference appeared thus: The entertainment the 
disciples met with, was from such whose hearts God had 
opened to receive them, from a love to them, and the 

F 



62 LIFE OF JOH.^ WOOLMAN. 

truth they published. But we, considered as members 
of the same religious Society, look upon it as a piece of 
civility to receive each other in such visits ; and such re- 
ception, at times, is partly in regard to reputation, and 
not from an inward unity of heart and spirit. Conduct 
is more convincing than language; and where people, 
by their actions, manifest that the slave-trade is not so 
disagreeable to their principles but that it may be en- 
couraged, there is not a sound uniting with some Friends 
who visit tliem. 

The prospect of so weighty a work, and being so dis- 
tinguished from many whom I esteemed before myself, 
brought me very low ; and such were the conflicts of my 
soul, that I had a near sympathy with the prophet, in the 
time of his weakness, when he said, ^'If thou deal thus 
with me, kill me, I pray thee, if I have found favour in 
thy sight;" but I soon saw that this proceeded from the 
want of a full resignation to the Divine will. Many were 
the afflictions which attended me ; and in great abase- 
ment, with many tears, my cries were to the Almighty, 
for his gracious and fatherly assistance ; and then^ after a 
time of deep trial, I was favoured to understand the state 
mentioned by the psalmist, more clearly than ever I had 
before; to wit: <'My soul is even as a weaned child." 
Being thus helped to sink down into resignation, I felt a 
deliverance from that tempest in which I had been sorely 
exercised, and in calmness of mind went forward, trust- 
ing tliat the Lord Jesus Christ, as I faithfully attended to 
him, would be a counsellor to me in all difficulties ; and 
that by his strength I should be enabled even to leave 
money with the members of Society where I had enter- 
tainment, when I found that omitting it would obstruct 
that work to which I believed he had called me. And 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 63 

ds I copy this after my return, I may add, that oftentimes 
I did so, under a sense of duty. The way in which I 
did it was thus ; when I expected soon to leave a Friend's 
house where I had had entertainment, if I believed that 
I should not keep clear from the gain of oppression with- 
out leaving money, I spoke to one of the heads of the 
family privately, and desired him to accept of some 
pieces of silver, and give them to such of the negroes as 
he believed would make the best use of them ; and at 
other times I gave them to the negroes myself, as the 
w^ay looked clearest to me. As I expected this before I 
came out, I had provided a large number of small pieces ; 
and thus offering them to some who appeared to be 
wealthy people, was a trial both to me and them : but 
the fear of the Lord so covered me at times, that my way 
was made easier than I expected ; and few, if any, mani- 
fested any resentment at the offer, and most of them, 
after some talk, accepted of them. 

The 7th day of the fifth month, in the year 1757, I 
lodged at a Friend's house; and the next day being the 
first of the week, was at Patapsco meeting ; then crossed 
Patuxent river, and lodged at a public house. 

On the 9th breakfasted at a Friend's house, who putting 
us a little on our way, I had conversation with him in 
the fear of the Lord, concerning his slaves ; in which 
my heart w^as tender, and I used much plainness of 
speech with him, which he appeared to take kindly. We 
pursued our journey without appointing meetings, being 
pressed in my mind to be at the Yearly Meeting in Vir- 
ginia. In my travelling on the road, I often felt a cry 
rise from the centre of my mind, Lord, I am a stranger 
on the earth, hide not thy face from me. On the 11th 
day of the fifth month, we c»ossed the rivers Potomac 



64 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

and Rappahannock, and lodged at Port Rojdl : and on 
the way happening in company with a colonel of the 
militia, who appeared to be a thoughtful man, I took oc- 
casion to remark on the difference in general between a 
people used to labour moderately for their living, train- 
ing up their children in frugality and business, and those 
who live on the labour of slaves ; the former, in my view, 
being the most happy life : with which he concurred, and 
mentioned the trouble arising from the untoward, slothful 
disposition of the negroes ; adding, that one of our la- 
bourers would do as much in a day as two of their slaves. 
I replied, that free men, whose minds were properly on 
their business, found a satisfaction in improving, cul- 
tivating and providing for their families ; but negroes, 
labouring to support others who claim them as their pro- 
perty, and expecting nothing but slavery during hfe, had 
not the like inducement to be industrious. 

After some further conversation, I said that men having 
power, too often misapplied it; that though we made 
slaves of the negroes, and the Turks made slaves of the 
Christians, I believed that liberty was the natural right of 
all men equally ; which he did not deny ; but said the 
lives of the negroes were so wretched in their own 
country, that many of them lived better here than there. 
I only said there is great odds in regard to us, on what 
principle we act ; and so the conversation on that sub- 
ject ended. I may here add, that another person, some 
time afterward, mentioned the wretchedness of the ne- 
groes, occasioned by their intestine wars, as an argument 
in favour of our fetching them away for slaves; to which 
I then replied, if compassion on the Africans, in regard 
to their domestic troubles, were the real motives of our 
purchasing them, that spirit of tenderness being attended 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 65 

to, would inciie us to use them kindly, that as strangers 
brought out of affliction, their lives might be happy 
among us ; and as they are human creatures, whose souls 
are as precious as ours, and who may receive the same 
help and c omfort from the holy Scriptures as we do, we 
could not omit suitable endeavours to instruct them 
therein. But while we manifest by our conduct, that our 
views in purchasing them are to advance ourselves ; and 
^vhile our buying captives taken in war, animates those 
parties to push on that war, and increase desolation 
amongst them ; to say they live unhappily in Africa, is 
far from being an argument in our favour. I further said, 
the present circumstances of these provinces to me ap- 
pear difficult ; the slaves look like a burthensome stone 
to such who burthen themselves with them, and that if 
the white people retain a resolution to prefer their out- 
ward prospects of gain to all other considerations, and 
do not act conscientiously toward them as fellow-crea- 
tures, I believe that burthen will grow heavier and heav- 
ier, until times change in a way disagreeable to us. At 
this the person appeared very serious, and ow^ned, that in 
considering their condition, and the manner of their 
treatment in these provinces, he had sometimes thought 
it might be just in the Almighty so to order it. 

Having travelled through Maryland, we came amongst 
Friends at Cedar creek in Virginia, on the 12th day of 
the fifth month ; and the next day rode, in company 
with several Friends, a day's journey to Camp creek. 
As I was riding along in the morning, my mind was 
deeply affected in a sense I had of the want of Divine 
aid to support me in the various difficulties which attend- 
ed me; and in an uncommon distress of mind, I cried 
in secret to the Most High, Oh, Lord ! be merciful, I be 

F 2 



66 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

seech thee, to thy poor afflicted creature. After some 
time, I felt inward relief; and soon after, a Friend in 
company began to talk in support of the slave-trade, and 
said the negroes were understood to be the offspring 
of Cain, their blackness being the mark God set upon 
him after he murdered Abel, his brother, and that it was 
the design of Providence they should be slaves, as a con- 
dition proper to the race of so wricked a man as Cain 
was. Then another spake in support of w^hat had been 
said. To all which, I replied in substance as follows : 
Noah and his family were all who survived the flood, 
according to Scripture ; and as Noah w^as of Seth's race, 
the family of Cain was w^holly destroyed. One of them 
said, that after the flood Ham w^ent to the land of Nod, 
and took a w^ife ; that Nod was a land far distant, in.- 
habited by Cain's race, and that the flood did not reach 
it ; and as Ham was sentenced to be a servant of servants 
to his brethren, these two families being thus joined, were 
undoubtedly fit only for slaves. I replied, the flood w^as a 
judgment upon the world for their abominations; and it 
was granted that Cain's stock w^as the most wicked, and 
therefore unreasonable to suppose they w^ere spared : as 
to Ham's going to the land of Nod for a wife, no time 
being fixed, Nod might be inhabited by some of Noah's 
family, before Ham married a second time ; moreover 
the text saith, ^' That all flesh died that moved upon the 
earth." I further reminded them, how the prophets re- 
peatedly declare, '' that the son shall not suffer for the 
iniquity of the father ; but every one be answerable for 
his own sins." I was troubled to perceive the darkness 
of their imaginations ; and in some pressure of spirit said, 
the love of ease and gain are the motives in general of 
keeping slaves, and men are wont to take hoi 1 of weak 



L^FE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 67 

arguments to support a cause which is unreasonabli . I 
Iiave no interest on either side, save only the interest 
which I desire to have in the Truth; and as I believe 
liberty is their right, and see they are not only deprived 
of it, but treated in other respects with inhumanity in 
many places, I believe He, who is a refuge for the op- 
pressed, will in his own time plead their cause ; and 
happy will it be for such, who walk in uprightness before 
him: thus our conversation ended. 

On the 14th day of the fifth month I was at Camp 
creek Monthly Meeting, and then rode to the mountains 
up James river, and had a meeting at a Friend's house ; 
in both of which I felt sorrow of heart, and my tears 
were poured out before the Lord, who was pleased to 
afford a degree of strength by which way w^as opened to 
clear my mind amongst Friends in those places. From 
thence I went to Fork creek, and so to Cedar creek 
again ; at which place I now had a meeting. Here I 
found a tender seed ; and as I was preserved in the 
ministry to keep low with the Truth, the same Truth in 
their hearts answered it, so that it was a time of mutual 
refreshment from the presence of the Lord. I lodged at 
James Stanley's, father of William Stanley, one of the 
young men who suffered imprisonment at Winchester 
last summer, on account of their testimony against fight- 
ing ; and I had some satisfactory conversation with him 
concerning it. Hence I went to the Swamp and Wainoak 
meetings ; and then crossed James river, and lodged near 
Burleigh. From the time of my entering Maryland I 
have been much under sorrow, which of late so increased 
upon me, that my mind was almost overwhelmed ; and I 
may say wdth the psalmist, ^'in my distress I called upon 
,he Lord, and cried to my God;" who, in infinite good- 



68 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

.aess, looked upon ray affliction, and in my private re- 
tirement sent the Comforter for my relief; for Avhich 1 
humbly bless his holy name. 

The sense 1 had of the state of the churches, brought 
a weight of distress upon me ; the gold to me appeared 
dim, and the fine gold changed : and though this is the 
case too generally, yet the sense of it in these parts hath, 
in a particular manner, borne heavily upon me. It ap- 
peared to me, that through the prevailing of the spirit of 
this Avorld, the minds of many were brought to inward 
desolation ; and instead of the spirit of meekness, gen- 
tleness and heavenly wisdom, which are the necessary 
companions of the true sheep of Christ, a spirit of fierce- 
ness and the love of dominion, too generally prevailed. 
From small beginnings in error, great buildings by de- 
grees, are raised, and from one age to another are more 
and more strengthened by the general concurrence of the 
people. . As men obtain reputation by their profession 
of the Truth, their virtues are mentioned as arguments 
/n favour of general error ; and those of less note, to 
justify themselves, say, such and such good men did the 
like. By what other steps could the people of Judah 
rise to such a height in wickedness, as to give just ground 
for the prophet Isaiah to declare in the name of the Lord, 
'' that none calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth :" 
or for the Almighty to call upon the great city of Jerusa- 
lem, just before the Babylonish captivity, <' If ye can find 
a man, if there be any who executeth judgment, that 
seeketh the Truth, and I will pardon it." The prospect 
of a road lying open to the same degeneracy, in some parts 
of this newly setded la'nd of America, in respect to our 
conduct toward the negroes, hath deeply bowed my 
mind in this journey ; and though to relate briefly how 



LIFE OF JOHN 1V00LMAN. 69 

yhese people are treated is oo agreeable work, yet after 
often reading over the notes I made as I travelled, I find 
my mind engaged to preserve them. Many of the white 
people in those provinces take little or no care of negro 
marriages ; and when negroes marry after their own way, 
some make so little account of those marriages, that with 
views of outward interest, they often part men from their 
wives by selling them far asunder ; which is common 
when estates are sold by executors at vendue. Many 
whose labour is heavy, being followed at their business 
in the field, by a man with a whip, hired for that pur- 
pose, have in common little else allowed but one peck 
of Indian corn and some salt for one week, with a few 
potatoes ; the potatoes they commonly raise by their la- 
bour on the first day of the week. 

The correction ensuing on their disobedience to over- 
seers, or slothfulness in business, is often very severe, 
*and sometimes desperate. 

Men and women have many times scarcely clothes 
enough to hide their nakedness, and boys and girls, ten 
and twelve years old, are often quite naked amongst 
their master's children. Some of our Society, and some 
of the Society called New Lights, use some endeavours 
to instruct those they have in reading ; but in common 
this is not only neglected, but disapproved. These are 
the people by whose labour the other inhabitants are in a 
great measure supported, and many of them in the luxu- 
ries of life: these are the people who have made no 
agreement to serve us, and who have not forfeited their 
liberty that we know of: these are the souls for whom 
Christ died, and for our conduct toward them, we must 
answer before Him who is no respecter of persons. 

They who know the only true God, and Jesus Christ 



70 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

\\'hom he hath sent, and are thus acquainted with the 
merciful, benevolent, Gospel spirit, will therein perceive 
that the indignation of God is kindled against oppression 
and cruelty ; and in beholding the great distress of so 
numerous a people, will find cause for mourning. 

From my lodgings I w^ent to Burleigh meeting, where 
I felt my mind drawn in;:o a quiet resigned state ; and 
after a long silence, I felt an engagement to stand up; 
and through the powerful operation of Divine love, we 
were favoured with an edifying meeting. The next 
meeting we had w^as at Black Water ; and so to the 
Yearly Meeting at the Western Branch. When its busi- 
ness began, some queries were considered by some of 
their members, to be now produced ; and if approved, 
to be answered hereafter by their respective Monthly 
Meetings. They were the Pennsylvania queries, which 
had been examined by a committee of Virginia Yearly 
Meeting, appointed last year, who made some alterations 
in them ; one of which alterations was made in favour 
of a custom which troubled me. The query was, " Are 
there any concerned in the importation of negroes, or 
buying them after imported ?" which they altered thus : 
<' Are there any concerned in the importation of negroes, 
or buying them to trade in ?" As one query admitted 
with unanimity w^as, '' Are any concerned in buying or 
vending goods unlawfully imported, or prize goods ?" 
I found my mind engaged to say, that as we professed 
the Truth, and were there assembled to support the tes- 
timony of it, it was necessaiy for us to dwell deep, and 
act in that wisdom which is pure, or otherwise we could 
not prosper. I then mentioned the alteration ; and re- 
ferring to the last-mentioned query, added, as purchasing 
c ny merchandize taken by the sword, was always allowed 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 71 

to be inconsistent with our principles, negroes being 
captives of war, or taken by stealth, those circumstance* 
make it inconsistent wtth our testimony to buy them ; 
and their being our fellow-creatures, who are sold as 
slaves, adds greatly to the iniquity. Friends appeared 
attentive to what was said; some expressed a care and 
concern about their negroes ; none made any objection, 
by way of reply to what I said ; but the query was ad- 
mitted as they had altered it. As some of their members 
have heretofore traded in negroes, as in other merchan- 
dize, this query, being admitted, will be one step further 
than they have hitherto gone. I did not see it my duty 
to press for an alteration ; but felt easy to leave it all to 
Him, who alone is able to turn the hearts of the mighty, 
and to make way for the spreading of Truth on the earth, 
by means agreeable to his infinite wisdom. But in re- 
gard to those they already had, I felt my mind engaged 
to labour with them ; and said, that, as we believe the 
Scriptures were given forth by holy men as they were 
moved by the Holy Ghost, and many of us know by ex- 
perience that they are often helpful and comfortable, and 
believe ourselves bound in duty to teach our children to 
read them ; I believe that if we were divested of all self- 
ish views, the same good Spirit that gave them forth, 
would engage us to teach the negroes to read, that they 
might have the benefit of them: there were some 
amongst them who, at this time, manifested a concern 
in regard to taking more care in the education of their 
negroes. 

On the 29th day of the fifth month, at the house where 
I lodged, was a meeting of ministers and elders, at the 
ninth hour in the morning ; at which time I found an en- 
gagement to speak freely and plainly to them concerning 



1J LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

tl*ei/ slaves ; mentioning how they, as the first rank in 
the Society, whose conduct in that case was much no- 
tired by others, w^ere under the stronger obligations to 
look carefully to themselves : expressing how^ needful it 
was for them, in that situation, to be thoroughly divested 
of all selfish views ; that living in the pure Truth, and 
acting conscientiously tow^ard those people in their edu- 
cation and otherv/ise, they might be instrumental in help- 
ing forv\^ard a work so exceedingly necessary, and so 
much neglected amongst them. At the twelfth hour the 
meeting for worship began, which w^as solid. 

On the 30th day, about the tenth hour. Friends met 
to finish their business, and then the meeting for worship 
ensued, which to me was a laborious time; but through 
the goodness of the Lord, Truth, I believe, gained some 
ground ; and it w-as a strengthening opportunity to the 
honest-hearted. 

About this time I wrote an epistle to Friends in the 
back settlements of North Carolina, as follows : 

To Friends at their Monthly Meeting at New Garden and 
Cane creek^ in JVorth Carolina, 

Dear Friends, 
It having pleased the Lord to draw me forth on a visit 
to some parts of Virginia and Carolina, you have often 
been in my mind ; and though my way is not clear to 
come in person to visit you, yet I feel it in my heart to 
communicate a few things, as they arise in the love of 
Truth. First, my dear Friends, dwell in humility ; and 
take heed that no view^s of outward gain get too deep 
hold of you, that so your eyes being single to the Lord, 
you may be preserved in the way of safety. Where 
people let loose their minds after the love of outward 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 73 

things, and are more engaged in pursuing the profits ana 
seeking the friendships of this world, than to be inwardly 
acquainted with the way of true peace, such walk in a 
vain shadow, while the true comfort of life is wantmg: 
their examples are often hurtful to others ; and their trea- 
sures, thus collected, do many times prove dangerous 
snares to their children. 

But where people are sincerely devoted to follow 
Christ, and dwell under the influence of his holy Spirit, 
their stability and firmness, through a Divine blessing, is 
at times like dew on the tender plants around about them, 
and the weightiness of their spirits secretly works on the 
minds of others; and in this condition, through the 
spreading influence of Divine love, they feel a care over 
the flock ; and way is opened for maintaining good order 
in the Society. And though we meet with opposition 
from another spirit, yet, as there is a dwelling in meek- 
ness, feeling our spirits subject, and moving only in the 
gentle peaceable wisdom, the inward reward of quiet- 
ness, will be greater than all our difficulties. Where the 
pure life is kept to, and meetings of discipline are held 
in the authority of it, we find by experience that they 
are comfortable, and tend to the health of the body. 

While I write, the youth come fresh in my way. — 
Dear young people, choose God for your portion; love 
his Truth, and be not ashamed of it ; choose for your 
company such who serve him in uprightness ; and shun, 
as most dangerous, the conversation of those whose lives 
are of an ill savour ; for by frequenting such company, 
some hopeful young people have come to great loss, and 
been dravvn from less evils to greater to their utter ruin. 
In the bloom of youth no ornament is so lovely as that 
of virtue, nor any enjoyments equal to those which we 

G 



74 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

partake of, in fully resigning ourselves to the Divine will. 
These enjoyments add sweetness to all other comforts, 
and give true satisfaction in company and conversation, 
where people are mutually acquainted with it; and as 
your minds are thus seasoned with the Truth, you will 
find strength to abide steadfast to the testimony of it, 
and be prepared for services in the church. 

And now, dear friends and brethren, as you are im- 
proving a wilderness, and may be numbered amongst 
the first planters in one part of a province, I beseech 
you, in the love of Jesus Christ, wisely to consider the 
force of your examples, and think how much your suc- 
cessors may be thereby affected. It is a help in a coun- 
try, yea, a great favour and a blessing, when customs 
first settled, are agreeable to sound wisdom ; so when 
they are otherwise, the effect of them is grievous ; and 
children feel themselves encompassed with difficulties 
prepared for them by their predecessors. 

As moderate care and exercise, under the direction of 
true wisdom, is useful both to mind and body; so by 
this means in general, the real wants of hfe are easily 
supplied ; our gracious Father having so proportioned 
one to the other, that, keeping in the true medium, we 
may pass on quietly. Where slaves are purchased to do 
our labour, numerous difficulties attend. To rational 
creatures bondage is uneasy, and frequently occasions 
sourness and discontent in them ; which affects the family, 
and such who claim the mastery over them : and thus 
people and their children are many times encompassed 
with vexations, which arise from their applying to wrong 
methods to get a living. 

I have been informed that there are a large numbei of 
Friends in your parts, who have no slaves; and in ten let 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 75 

and most affectionate love, I beseech you to keep clear 
from purchasing any. Look, my dear friends, to Divine 
Providence ; and follow in simplicity that exercise of 
body, that plainness and frugality, which true wisdom 
leads to ; so may you be preserved from those dangers 
which attend such who are aiming at outward ease and 
greatness. 

Treasures, though small, attained on the true principle 
of virtue, are sw^eet in the possession ; and while we 
walk in the light of the Lord, there is true comfort and 
satisfaction. Here, neither the murmurs of an oppressed 
people, nor the throbbings of an uneasy conscience, nor 
anxious thoughts about the event of things, hinder the 
enjoyment of life. 

When we look toward the end of life,^and think on 
the division of our substance among our successors, if 
we know that it was collected in the fear of the Lord, in 
honesty, in equity, and in uprightness of heart before 
him, we may consider it as his gift to us ; and with a 
single eye to his blessing, bestow it on those we leave 
behind us. Such is the happiness of the plain way of 
true virtue. ^' The work of righteousness shall be peace ; 
and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance 
for ever." 

Dwell here, my dear friends; and then in remote and 
solitary deserts, you may find true peace and satisfaction. 
If the Lord be our God, in truth and reality, there is 
safety for us ; for he is a strong hold in the day of trou- 
ole, and knoweth them that trust in him. 

_sle of Wight county, in Virginia, 
29th of the fifth month, 1757. 

From the Yearly Meeting in Virginia, I w^ent to Caro- 
lina; and on the 1st day of the sixth month, was at 



76 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Wells Monthly Meeting, where the spring of the G. spel 
ministry was opened, and the love of Jesi.s Christ expe- 
rienced amongst us: to his name be the praise. 

Here my brother joined with some Friends from New 
Garden, who were going homeward ; and I went next to 
Simons creek Monthly Meeting, where I was silent during 
the meeting for worship. When business came on, my 
mind was exercised concerning the poor slaves ; but I 
did not feel my way clear to speak : in this condition I 
w^as bowed in spirit before the Lord ; and with tears and 
inward supplication besought him, so to open my under- 
standing, that I might know^ his will concerning me; and 
at length, my mind was settled in silence. Near the end 
of their business, a member of the meeting expressed a 
concern, that had some time lain upon him, on account 
of Friends so much neglecting their duty in the educa- 
tion of their slaves, and proposed having meetings some- 
times appointed for them on a week-day, to be only at- 
tended by some Friends to be named in their Monthly 
Meetings. Many present appeared to unite w4th the 
proposal: one said he had often wondered that they, 
being our fellow-creatures and capable of religious un- 
derstanding, had been so exceedingly neglected : another 
expressed the like concern, and appeared zealous that 
Friends in future, might more closely consider it : at length 
a minute w^as made ; and the further consideration of it 
referred to their next Monthly Meeting. The Friend 
w^ho made this proposal has negroes: he told me that he 
was at New^ Garden ; about two hundred and fifty miles 
from home, and came back alone ; and that in th s solitary 
journey, this exercise in regard to the education of theii 
negroes, w^as, from time to tim.e, renewed hi his mind. 
A Friend of some note in Virginia, who has slaves, toJ'^ 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 77 

me, that he being far from home on a lonesome journey, 
had many serious thoughts about them ; and that his 
mind was so impressed therewith, that he believed he 
saw a time coming, when Divine Providence would alter 
the circumstances of these people, respecting their con- 
dition as slaves. 

From hence I went to Newbegun creek, and sat a 
considerable time in much weakness ; then I felt Truth 
open the way to speak a little in much plainness and 
simplicity, till, at length, through the increase of Divine 
love amongst us, we had a seasoning opportunity. From 
thence I went to the head of Little river, where was, on 
a first-day, a crowded meeting; and I believe, through 
Divine goodness, it w^as made profitable to some. — 
Thence to the Old Neck ; where I was led into a careful 
searching out the secret workings of the mystery of ini- 
quity, which, under a cover of religion, exalts itself 
against that pure spirit, which leads in the way of meek- 
ness and self-denial. , From thence to Piney-woods; 
which was the last meeting I was at in Carolina, and was 
large ; and my heart being deeply engaged, I was drawn 
forth m fervent labour amongst them. 

When I was at Newbegun creek, a Friend was there 
who laboured for his living, having no negroes, and had 
been a minister many years. He came to me the next 
day, and as we rode together, signified that he wanted 
to talk with me concerning a difficulty he had been 
under, and related it nearly as follows : to wit. That as 
moneys had been raised by a tax of late years to carry on 
war, he had a scruple in his mind in regard to paying it, 
and chose rather to suffer distraint of his goods than j.ay 
it: and as he was the only person who refused it in 
those parts, and knew not that anj one else wf.s in the 

g2 



78 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

like circumstances, he signified that it had been a heavy 
trial to him, and more so, for that some of his brethren 
had been uneasy with his conduct in that case. He 
added, that from a sympathy he felt with me yesterday 
in meeting, he found freedom thus to open the matter, 
m the way of query concerning Friends in our parts. I 
told him the state of Friends amongst us, as well as I 
was able ; and also, that I had for some time been under 
the like scruple. I believed him to be one who was 
concerned to walk uprightly before the Lord ; and es- 
teemed it my duty to preserve this note concerning him ; 
his name was Samuel Newby. 

From hence I went back into Virginia, and had a 
meeting near James Cowpland's ; it was a time of in- 
ward suti'ering; but through the goodness of the Lord, I 
was made content : then to another meeting ; where, 
through the renewings of pure love, we had a very com- 
fortable season. 

Travelling up and down of late, I have had renewed 
evidences, that to be faithful to the Lord and contented 
with his will concerning me, is a most necessary and 
useful lesson for me to be learning ; looking less at the 
effects of my labour, than at the pure motion and reality 
of the concern, as it arises from heavenly love. In the 
Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength ; and as the mind, 
by humble resignation, is united to him, and we utter 
words from an inward knowledge that they arise from 
the heavenly spring, though our way may be difficult, and 
require close attention to keep in it ; and though the man- 
ner in which w^e may be led may tend to our own abase- 
ment ; yet, if we continue in patience and meekness, 
heavenly peace is the reward of our labours. 

From thence I went to Curies meeting ; which, though 



LIFE OF JOHN \V DOLMAN. 79 

small, was reviving to the honest-hearted. Thence to 
Black creek and Caroline meetings ; from whence, ac- 
companied by William Stanley, before mentioned, we 
rode to Goose creek, being much through the woods, 
and about one hundred miles. We lodged the first night 
at a public house ; the second in the woods ; and the 
next day we reached a Friend's house, at Goose creek. 
In. the woods we lay under some disadvantage, having 
no fire-works nor bells for our horses ; but we stopped a 
little before night, and let them feed on the wild grass 
w^hich was plenty ; in the mean time cutting with our 
knives a store against night, and then tied them ; and 
gathering some bushes under an oak, we lay dowTi ; but 
the mosquitoes being plenty and the ground damp, I 
slept but little. Lying in the wilderness, and looking at 
the stars, I was led to contemplate the condition of our 
first parents, wdien they were sent forth from the garden ; 
but the Almighty, though they had been disobedient, 
continued to be a Father to them, and showed them 
what tended to their felicity as intelligent creatures, and 
was acceptable to him. To provide things relative to 
our outward living, in the way of true wisdom is good ; 
and the gift of improving in things useful, is a good gift, 
and comes from the Father of lights. Many have had 
this gift ; and from age to age, there have been improve- 
ments of this kind made in the world : but some not 
keeping to the pure gift, have, in the creaturely cunning 
and self-exaltation, sought out many inventions ; which 
mventions of men, distinct from that uprightness in which 
man w^as created, as the first motion to them was evil, so 
the etTects have been and are evil. At this day, it is as 
necessary for us constantly to attend on the heavenly 
gift, to be qualified to use rightly the good things in this 



80 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

life amidst great improvements, as it was for our first 
parents, when they were without any improvements, 
without any friend or father but God only. 

I was at a meeting at Goose creek ; and next at a 
Monthly Meeting at Fairfax ; where, through the gra- 
cious dealing of the Almighty w^ith us, his power pre- 
vailed over many hearts. Thence to Manoquacy and 
Pipe creek, in Maryland ; at both which places. I had 
cause humbly to adore Him, who supported me through 
many exercises, and by whose help I was enabled to 
reach the true witness in the hearts of others: there were 
some hopeful young people in those parts. I had meet- 
ings at John Everit's in Monallen, and at Huntingdon ; 
and was made humbly thankful to the Lord, who opened 
my heart amongst the people in these new settlements, 
so that it was a time of encouragement to the honest- 
minded. 

At Monallen, a Friend gave me some account of a 
religious society among the Dutch, called Mennonists ; 
and amongst other things, related a passage in substance 
as follows: — One of the Mennonists having acquaintance 
with a man of another society at a considerable distance, 
and being with his wagon on business near the house of 
his said acquaintance, and night coming on, he had 
thoughts of putting up with him ; but passing by his 
fields, and observing the distressed appearance of his 
slaves, he kindled a fire in the woods hard by, and lay 
there that night. His acquaintance hearing where he 
lodged, and afterward meeting the Mennonist, told him 
of it ; adding, he should have been heartily welcome at 
his house ; and from their acquaintance in former time, 
he wondered at his conduct in that case. The Men- 
nonist replied, ever sinc*^ I lodged by thy field, 1 have 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 81 

wanted an opportunity to speak with thee. I intended 
to come to thy house for entertainment, but seeing thy 
slaves a: their work, and observing the manner of their 
dress, I had no liking to come to partake with thee : he 
then admonished him to use them with more humanity, 
and added, as I lay by the fire that night, I thought that 
as I was a man of substance, thou w^ouldst have received 
me freely ; but if I had been as poor as one of thy slaves, 
and had no power to help myself, I should have received 
from thy hand no kinder usage than they. 

From hence I was at three meetings in my way, and 
so went home, under an humbling sense of the gracious 
dealings of the Lord with me, in preserving me through 
many trials and afflictions in my journey. I was out 
about two months, and travelled about eleven hundred 
and fifty miles. 



CHAPTER V. 

Considerations on the payment of a tax laid for carrying on the 
war against the Indians — Some notes on Thomas a Kempis 
and John Huss — Meetings of the committee of the Yearly 
Meeting at Philadelphia — The present circumstances of 
Friends in Pennsylvania and New Jersey very different from 
those of our predecessors — The drafting of the militia in 
New Jersey to serve in the army, with some observations on 
the state of the members of our Society at that time — His 
visit to Friends in Pennsylvania, accompanied by Benjamin 
Jones — Proceedings at the Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly 
Meetings in Philadelphia, respecting those who keep slaves. 

A FEW years past, money being made current in our 
province for carrying on wars, and to be called in again 



82 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

by laxes laid on the inhabitants, my mind was often af- 
fected \nth the thoughts of paying such taxes; and I 
belieVe it right for me to preserve a memorandum con- 
cerning it. I was told, that Friends in England fre- 
quently paid taxes, when the money w as applied to such 
purposes. I had conversation wath several noted Friend? 
on the subject, who all favoured the payment of such 
taxes ; some of whom I preferred before myself, and this 
made me easier for a time ; yet there was in the deeps 
of my mind, a scruple which I never could get over ; 
and at certain times, I w^as greatly distressed on that 
account. 

I all along believed that there w^ere some upright- 
hearted men, who paid such taxes ; but could not see 
that their example was a sufficient reason for me to do 
so, while I believed that the Spirit of Truth required of 
me, as an individual, to suffer patiently the distress of 
goods, rather than pay actively. 

I have been informed that Thomas a Kempis lived and 
died in the profession of the Roman Catholic religion ; 
and in reading his writings, I have believed him to be a 
man of a true Christian spirit ; as fully so, as many who 
died martyrs because they could not join with some 
superstitions in that church. 

All true Christians are of the same spirit, but their gifts 
are diverse ; Jesus Christ appointing to each one their 
peculiar office, agreeably to his infinite wisdom. 

John IIuss contended against the errors crept into the 
church, in opposition to the council of Constance ; which 
the historian reports to have consisted of some thousand 
persons. He modestly vindicated the cause which he 
believed was right ; and though his language and con- 
duct toward his judges appear to have been respectful. 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 83 

yet he never could be moved from the principles settled 
in his mind. To use his own words ; " This I most hum- 
bly require and desire of you all, even for his sake who 
is the God of us all, that I be not compelled to the thing 
which my conscience doth repugn or strive against." — 
And again, in his answer to the emperor : '' I refuse no- 
thing, most noble emperor, whatsoever the council shall 
decree or determine upon me, only this one thing I 
except, that I do not offend God and my conscience." 
Fox's Acts and Monuments, page 233. At length, rather 
than act contrary to that w^hich he believed the Lord 
required of him, he chose to suffer death by fire. Thomas 
a Kempis, w^ithout disputing against the articles then 
generally agreed to, appears to have laboured, by a 
pious example as well as by preaching and waiting, to 
promote virtue and the inward spiritual religion : and I 
believe they were both sincere-hearted followers of 
Christ. 

True charity is an excellent virtue : and to labour sin- 
cerely for their good, whose belief, in all points, do not 
agree w^ith ours, is a happy state. To refuse the active 
payment of a tax w^hich our Society generally paid, was 
exceedingly disagreeable ; but to do a thing contrary to 
my conscience, appeared yet more dreadful. When this 
exercise came upon me, I knew of none under the like 
difficulty ; and in my distress, I besought the Lord to 
enable me to give up all, that so I might follow him 
wheresover he was pleased to lead me. Under this 
exercise I went to our Yearly Meeting at Philadelphia, 
in the year 1755 ; at w^hich a committee was appointed 
of some from each quarter, to correspond whh the Meet- 
ing for Sufferings in London ; and another to visit our 
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings ; and after their appoint- 



84 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

ment, before the last adjournment of the meeting, it was 
agreed that these two committees should meet together 
m Friends' school-house in the city, at a time then con- 
cluded on, to consider some things in which the cause 
of Truth was concerned. These committees meeting 
together, had a weighty conference in the fear of the 
Lord; at whi^h time, I perceived there were many 
Friends under a scruple like that before-mentioned.* 

As scrupHng to pay a tax on account of the applica- 
tion, hath seldom been heard of heretofore, even amongst 
men of integrity, who have steadily borne their testimony 
against war, in their time ; I may here note some things 
which have occurred to my mind, as I have been inw ardly 
exercised on that account. From the steady opposition 
which faithful Friends, in early times, made to wTong 
things then approved of, they w^ere hated and persecuted 
by men living in the spirit of this world ; and suffering 
w^ith firmness, they w^ere made a blessing to the church, 
and the work prospered. It equally concerns men in 
every age, to take heed to their ow n spirit ; and in com- 
paring their situation with ours, it looks to me that there 
was less danger of their being infected with the spirit of 
this world, in paying such taxes, than there is of us now. 
They had little or no share in civil government ; and 
many of them declared, they were, through the power of 
God, separated from the spirit in w^hich wars w^ere ; and 
being afflicted by the rulers on account of their testi- 
mony, there was less likelihood of uniting in spirit with 
them in things inconsistent w^ih the purity of Truth. We, 
from the first settlement of this land, have known little 

* Christians refused to pay taxes to support Heathen temples. 
See Primitive Christianity, part III, page 327. 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 85 

cr no troubles of that sort. Their profession for a time, 
was accounted reproachful ; but at length, the uprightness 
of our predecessors being understood by the rulers, and 
their innocent sufferings moving them, our way of wor- 
ship was tolerated ; and many of our members in these 
colonies became active in civil government. Being thus 
tried with favour and prosperity, this w^orld hath appeared 
inviting ; our minds have been turned to the improvement 
of our country, to merchandize and sciences, amongst 
w^hich are many things useful, being followed in pure 
wisdom ; but in our present condition, that a carnal mind 
is gaining upon us, I believe will not be denied. Some 
of our members, who are officers in civil government, are, 
in one case or other, called upon in their respective 
stations to assist in things relative to the wars. Such 
being in doubt whether to act, or crave to be excused 
from their office, seeing their brethren united in the pay- 
ment of a tax to carry on the said wars, might think their 
case not much different, and so quench the tender movings 
of the Holy Spirit in their minds; and thus, by small de- 
grees, there might be an approach toward fighting, until 
we came so near it, as that the distinction would be little 
else but the name of a peaceable people. 

It requires great self-denial and resignation of ourselves 
to God, to attain that state wherein we can freely cease 
from fighting when wrongfully invaded, if by our fighting, 
there was a probability of overcoming the invaders. — 
Whoever rightly attains to it, does, in some degree, feel 
that spirit in which our Redeemer gave his life for us ; 
and through Divine goodness, many of our predecessors, 
and many now living, have learned this blessed lesson. 
But many others, having their religion chiefly by educa- 
tion, and Fot being enough acquainted with that cross 

H 



86 LIFE OF JOHN WOC LMAN. 

which crucifies to the world, manifest a temper distin- 
guishable from that of an entire trust in God. In calmly 
considering these things, it hath not appeared strange to 
me, that an exercise hath now fallen upon some, which, 
as to the outward means of it, is different from what w^as 
known to many of those who went before us. 

Some time after the Yearly Meeting, a day being ap- 
pointed and letters WTitten to distant members, the said 
committees met at Philadelphia ; and by adjournments, 
continued several days. The calamities of war were now 
increasing ; the frontier inhabitants of Pennsylvania were 
frequently surprised, some slain, and many taken captive 
by the Indians ; and while these committees sat, the 
corpse of one so slain was brought in a wagon, and taken 
through the streets of the city, in his bloody garments, to 
alarm the people, and rouse them up to war. 

Friends thus met were not all of one mind in relation 
to the tax ; which, to such who scrupled it, made the 
way more difficult. To refuse an active payment at such 
a time, might be construed into an act of disloyalty, and 
appe,?red likely to displease the rulers, not only here but 
in England. Still there was a scruple so fastened upon 
the minds of many Friends, that nothing moved it: it 
was a conference the most weighty that ever I was at, and 
the hearts of many were bowed in reverence before the 
Most High. Some Friends of the said committees who 
appeared easy to pay the.4ax, after several adjournments 
withdrew, others of them continued till the last. Ai 
length, an epistle of tender love and caution to Friends 
in Pennsylvania, was drawn by some Friends concerned, 
on that subject ; and being read several times and cor- 
rected, was then signed by such of them as were free to 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 87 

sign it, and afterwards sent to the Monthly and Quarterly 
Meetino:s. 

On the 9th Jay of the eighth month, in the year 1757, 
at night, orders came to the military officers in our 
county, (Burlington,) directing them to draft the militia 
and prepare a number of men to go as soldiers, to the 
reUef of the EngUsh at fort WilUam Henry, in New York 
government. A few days after, there was a general 
review of the militia at Mount Holly, and a number of 
men chosen and sent off under some officers. Shortly 
after, there came orders to draft three times as many, to 
hold themselves in readiness to march when fresh orders 
came; and on the 17th day of the eighth month, there 
was a meeting of the military officers at Mount Holly, 
w^io agreed on a draft, and orders were sent to the men 
so chosen, to meet their respective captains at set times 
and places ; those in our township to meet at Mount 
Holly ; amongst whom were a considerable number of 
our Society. My mind being affected herewith, I had 
fresh opportunity to see and consider the advantage of 
living in the real substance of religion, where practice 
doth harmonize with principle. Amongst the officers are 
men of understanding, who have some regard to sincerity 
where they see it; and in the execution of their office, 
when they have men to deal with whom they believe to 
be upright-hearted, to put them to trouble on account of 
scruples of conscience, is a painful task, and likely to be 
avoided as much as easily may be. But where men pro- 
fess to be so meek and heavenly minded, and to have 
their trust so firmly settled in God, that they cannot join 
in wais ; ahd yet, by their spirit and conduct in common 
lift, manifest a contrary disposition, their difficulties are 
great %t i^uch a time. 



88 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAW. 

Officers, who, in great anxiety, are endeavouring to 
get troops to answer the demands of their superiors, see- 
ing men who are insincere, pretend a scruple of con- 
science, in hopes of being excused from a dangerous 
employment, are likely to handle them roughly. In this 
time of commotion some of our young men left the parts, 
and tarried abroad till it was over ; some came and pro- 
posed to go as soldiers ; others appeared to have a real 
tender scruple in their minds against joining in wars, and 
were much humbled under the apprehension of a trial so 
near. I had conversation with several of these to my 
satisfaction. At the set time when the captain came to 
town, some of those last-mentioned w^nt and told him 
in substance as follows : — That they could not bear arms 
for conscience-sake ; nor could they hire any to go in 
their places, being resigned as to the event of it : at 
length the captain acquainted them all, that they might 
return home for the present, and required them to pro- 
vide themselves as soldiers, and to be in readiness to 
march when called upon. This was such a time as I had 
not seen before ; and yet I may say, with thankfulness 
to the Lord, that I believed this trial was intended for 
our good ; and I was favoured with resignation to him. 
The French army taking the fort they were besieging, 
destroyed it and went away: the company of men first 
drafted, after some days march, had orders to return 
home ; and those on the second draft, were no more 
called upon on that occasion. 

On the 4th day of the fourth month, in the year 1758, 
orders came to some officers in Mount Holly, to prepare 
quarters a short time, for about one hundred soldiers: 
an officer and two other men, all inhabitants of our town, 
came to my house ; and the officer told me that he came 



tIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 89 

to speak wujj.me, to provide lodging and entertainment 
for two soldiers, there being six shillings a week per man 
allowed as p?y for it. The case being new and unex- 
pected, I made no answer suddenly; but sat a time 
silent, my mind being turned inward. I was fully con- 
vinced, that the proceedings in wars are inconsistent with 
the purity of the Christian religion ; and to be hired to 
entertain men, who were then under pay as soldiers, was 
a difficulty with me. I expected they had legal authority 
for what they did ; and after a short time, I said to the 
officer, if the men are sent here for entertainment, I be- 
lieve I shall not refuse to admit them into my house ; but 
the nature of the case is such, that I expect I cannot 
keep* them on hire: one of the men intimated, that he 
thought I might do it consistently with my religious prin- 
ciples ; to which I made no reply, believing silence, at 
that time, best for me. Though they spoke of two, there 
came only one, who tarried at my house about two 
weeks, and behaved himself civilly; and when the offi- 
cer came to pay me, I told him I could not take pay for 
it, having admitted him into my house in passive obe- 
dience to authority. I was on horseback when he spoke 
to me ; and as I turned from him, he said, he was obliged 
to me : to which I said nothing ; but thinking on the 
expression, I grew uneasy ; and afterwards being near 
where he lived, I went and told him on what grounds I 
refused taking pay for keeping the soldier. 

Near the beginning of the year 1758, I went one 
evening in company with a Friend, to visit a sick person ; 
and before our return, we were told of a woman living 
near, who, of late, had been disconsolate several days, 
occasioned by a dream, wherein death and the judgments 
of the Almighty after death, were represented to her 

h2 



90 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

mind in a moving manner. Her sadness on that account 
being worn off, the Friend with whom I w^as in company, 
went to see her, and had some religious conversation 
tvith her and her husband : with this visit they were 
somewhat affected ; and the man, with many tears ex- 
pressed his satisfaction : and in a short time after, the 
poor man being on the river in a storm of wind, he with 
one more was drowned. 

In the eighth month of the year 1758, having had 
drawings in my mind to be at the Quarterly Meeting in 
Chester county, and at some meetings in the county of 
Philadelphia, I went first to the said Quarterly Meeting, 
w^hich was large ; and several weighty matters came 
under consideration and debate; and the Lord was 
pleased to qualify some of his servants with strength and 
firmness, to bear the burthen of the day. Though I 
said but little, my mind was deeply exercised ; and under 
a sense of God's love, in anointing and fitting some 
young men for his work, I w^as comforted, and my heart 
was tendered before him. From hence I went to the 
Youths' meeting at Darby, w^here my beloved friend and 
brother Benjamin Jones met me, by an appointment 
before I left home, to join in the visit. We were at 
Radnor, Merion, Richland, North Wales, Plymouth and 
Abington meetings ; and had cause to bow in reverence 
before the Lord our gracious God, by whose help way 
was opened for us from day to day. I was out about 
two weeks, and rode about two hundred miles. 

The Monthly Meeting of Philadelphia having been 
under a concern on account of some Friends, who this 
summer, 1758, had bought negro slaves ; the said meet- 
ing moved it to their Quarterly Meeting, to have the mi- 
nute reconsidered in the Yearly Meeting, which was 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 91 

made last on that subject. The said Quarterly Meeting 
appointed a committee to consider it, and report to their 
next; which committee having met once and adjourned, 
and I going to Philadelphia to meet a committee of the 
Yearly Meeting, was in town the evening on which the 
Quarterly Meeting's committee met the second time ; and 
finding an inclination to sit with them, was with some 
others admitted ; and Friends had a weighty conference 
on the subject. Soon after their next Quarterly Meeting, 
I heard that the case was coming to our Yearly Meeting, 
which brought a weighty exercise upon me, and under a 
sense of my own infirmities, and the great danger I felt 
of turning aside from perfect purity, my mind was often 
drawn to retire alone, and put up my prayers to the 
Lord, that he would be graciously pleased to strengthen 
me ; that setting aside all views of self-interest and the 
friendship of this world, I might stand fully resigned to 
his holy will. 

In this Yearly Meeting several weighty matters were 
considered ; and toward the last, that in relation to deal- 
ing with persons who purchase slaves. During the several 
sittings of the said meeting, my mind was frequently 
covered with inward prayer ; and I could say with David, 
''that tears were my meat day and night." The case of 
slave-keeping lay heavy upon me ; nor did I find any en- 
gagement to speak directly to any other matter before the 
meeting. When this case was opened, several faithfui 
Friends spoke w^elghtily thereto, with w^hich I was com- 
forted ; and feeling a concern to cast in my mite, I said 
in substance, as follows : 

'' In the difficulties attending us in this life, nothing is 
more precious than the mind of Truth inw^ardly manifest- 
ed; and it is my earnest desire, that in this weight> 



92 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

matter, we may be so truly humbled as to be favoured 
, with a clear understanding of the mind of Truth, and 
follow it ; this would be of more advantage to the Society 
than any medium not in the clearness of Divine wisdom. 
The case is difficult to some who have slaves ; but if 
such set aside all self-interest, and come to be weaned 
from the desire of getting estates, or even from holding 
them together, when Truth requires the contrary, I be- 
lieve way will open that they will know how to steer 
through those difficulties." 

Many Friends appeared to be deeply bowed under the 
weight of the work ; and manifested much firmness in 
their love to the cause of Truth and universal righteous- 
ness on the earth. Though none openly justified the 
practice of slave-keeping in general, yet some appeared 
concerned, lest the meeting should go into such mea- 
sures as might give uneasiness to many brethren ; alleging 
that if Friends patiently continued under the exercise, 
the Lord in time to come, might open a way for the de- 
liverance of these people. Finding an engagement to 
speak, I said, «'My mind is often led to consider the 
purity of the Divine Being, and the justice of his judg- 
ments ; and herein my soul is covered with awfulness. I 
cannot omit to hint of some cases, where people have 
not been treated with the purity of justice, and the event 
hath been lamentable. Many slaves on this continent 
are oppressed, and their cries have reached the ears of 
the Most High. Such are the purity and certainty of his 
judgments, that he cannot be partial in our favour. In 
infinite love and goodness, he hath opened our under- 
standings from one time to another, concerning our duty 
toward this people, and it is not a time for delay. Should 
we now be sensible of what he requires of us, and 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 93 

through a respect to the private interest of some persons, 
or through a regard to some friendships which do not 
stand on an immutable foundation, neglect to do our 
duty in firmness and constancy, still waiting for some 
extraordinary means to bring about their deliverance, it 
may be that God may answer us, in this matter, by terri- 
ble things in righteousness." 

Many faithful brethren laboured with great firmness ; 
and the love of Truth, in a good degree, prevailed. 
Several Friends who had negroes, expressed their desire 
that a rule might be made, to deal with such Friends as 
offenders who bought slaves in future. To this it was 
answered, that the root of this evil would never be effect- 
ually struck at, until a thorough search was made into 
the circumstances of such Friends who kept negroes, with 
respect to the righteousness of their motives in keeping 
them, that impartial justice might be administered through- 
out. Several Friends expressed their desire, that a visit 
might be made to such as kept slaves ; and many Friends 
said that they believed liberty was the negroes right ; to 
which, at length, no opposition was made publicly. A 
minute was made on that subject, more full than any 
heretofore ; and the names of several Friends entered, 
who were free to join in a visit to such who kept slaves 



94 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 



CHAPTER VI. 

His visiting the Quarterly Meetings in Chester county; and after- 
wards joining with Daniel Stanton and John Scarborough, iii 
a visit to such as kept slaves there — Some observations on 
the conduct those should maintain who are concerned to 
speak in meetings for discipline — Several visits to such who 
kept slaves: and to Friends near Salem — Some account of 
the Yearly Meeting in the year 1759; and of the increasing 
concern; in divers proviiiceSj to labour against buying and 
keeping slaves — The yearly Meeting epistle — His thoughts 
on the smallpox spreading — and on inoculation. 

On the 11th day of the eleventh month, in the year 
1758,1 set out for Concord; the Quarterly Meeting 
heretofore held there, was now, by reason of a great in- 
crease of members, divided into two by the agreement 
of Friends, at our last Yearly Meeting. Here I met with* 
our beloved friends Samuel Spavold and Mary Kirby 
from England, and with Joseph White from Bucks county, 
who had taken leave of his family in order to go on a 
religious visit to Friends in England ; and through Divine 
goodness, we were favoured with a strengthening oppor- 
tunity together. 

After this meeting I joined with my friends Daniel 
Stanton and John Scarborough, in visiting Friends who 
had slaves; and at night we had a family meeting at 
William Trimble's, many young people being there ; and 
it was a precious reviving opportunity. Next morning 
we had a comfortable sitting with a sick neighbour; and 
thence to the burial of the corpse of a Friend at Uwchland 
meeting, at which w^ere many people, and it was a time 
of Divine favour ; after which, we visited some w^ho had 
slaves ; and at night ha 1 a family meeting at a Friend's 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 9i 

house, where the channel of Gospel love was opened, 
and my mind was comforted after a hard day's labour. 
The next day we were at Goshen Monthly Meeting: and 
thenoe on the 18th day of the eleventh month, in the year 
1758, attended the Quarterly Meeting at London Grove, 
it being the first held at that place. Here we met again 
with all the before-mentioned Friends, and had some 
edifying meetings. Near the conclusion of the meeting 
for business. Friends were incited to constancy in support- 
ing the testimony of Truth, and reminded of the necessity 
which the disciples of Christ are under to attend princi- 
pally to his business, as he is pleased to open it to us; 
and to be particularly careful to have our minds redeemed 
from the love of wealth ; to have our outward affairs in as 
little room as may be ; that no temporal concerns may 
entangle our affections, or hinder us from diligently fol- 
lowing the dictates of Truth, in labouring to promote 
the pure spirit of meekness and heavenly-mindedness 
amongst the children of men, in these days of calamity 
and distress ; wherein God is visiting our land with his 
just judgments. 

Each of these Quarterly Meetings were large, and sat 
nearly eight hours. Here I had occasion to consider that 
it is a weighty thing to speak much in large meetings for 
business. Except our minds are rightly prepared, and 
we clearly understand the case we speak to, instead of 
forwarding, we hinder business, and make more labour 
for those on whom the burden of the work is laid. 

If selfish views or a partial spirit have any room in our 
minds, we are unfit for the Lord's work ; if we have a 
clear prospect of the business, and proper weight on our 
minds to speak, it behoves us to avoid useless apologies 
and repetitions. Where people are gathered from afar, 



96 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

and adjourning a meeting of business is attended with 
great difficulty, it behoves all to be cautious how they 
detain a meeting ; especially w^hen it has sat six or seven 
hours, and Friends have a great distance to ride home. 

In the beginning of the tw^elfth month of the year 1758, 
I joined my friends John Sykes and Daniel Stanton, in 
visiting such w ho had slaves : some w^hose hearts w-ere 
rightly exercised about them, appeared to be glad of our 
visit ; but in some places our w ay was more difficult ; and 
I often saw the necessity of keeping dow n to that root 
from whence our concern proceeded ; and have cause, in 
reverent thankfulness, humbly to bow down before the 
Lord, who was near to me, and preserved my mind in 
calmness under some sharp conflicts, and begat a spirit 
of sympathy and tenderness in me, toward some w^ho 
were grievously entangled by the spirit of this w^orld. 

In the first month of the year 1759, having found my 
mind draw^n to visit some of the more active members in 
our Society at Philadelphia, who had slaves, I met my 
friend John Churchman there by an agreement ; and we 
continued about a week in the city. We visited some 
that w^ere sick, and some widows and their families ; and 
and the other part of our time was mostly employed in 
visiting such who had slaves. It w^as a time of deep 
exercise, looking often to the Lord for his assistance ; 
who, in unspeakable kindness, favoured us with the 
influence of that spirit, w^hich crucifies to the greatness 
and splendour of this world, and enabled us to go 
through some heavy labours, in which we found peace. 

On the 24th day of the third month, of this year, I w^as 
at our general spring meeting of Philadelphia; after which 
I again joined with John Churchman on a visit to some 
Friends who had slaves, in Philadelphia ; and with thank- 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 97 

fulness to 3ur heavenly Father, I may say that Divine love 
and a true sympathizing tenderness of heart, prevailed at 
times in this service. 

Having, at times, perceived a shyness in some Friends 
of considerable note, towards me, I found an engage- 
ment in Gospel love to pay a visit to one of them ; and 
as I dwelt under the exercise, I felt a resignedness in my 
mind to go. I went and told him in private, that I had 
a desire to have an opportunity with him alone ; to which 
le readily agreed : and then in the fear of the Lord, things 
'elating to that shyness were searched to the bottom ; and 
we had a large conference, which, I believe, was of use 
to both of us ; and am thankful that way was opened 
for it. 

On the 14th day of the sixth month, in the same year, 
having felt d/^wnngs in my mind to visit Friends about 
Salem, and having the approbation of our Monthly Meet- 
ing therein, I attended their Quarterly Meeting, and was 
out seven days, and at seven meetings ; in some of which 
I was chiefly silent, and in others, through the baptizing 
powder of Truth, my heart was enlarged in heavenly love, 
and I found a near fellowship with the brethren and sis* 
ters, in the manifold trials attending their Christian pro- 
gress through this world. 

In the seventh month, I found an increasing concern 
on my mind to visit some active members in our Society 
who had slaves ; and having no opportunity of the com- 
pany of such who were named on the minutes of the 
Yearly Meeting, I went alone to their houses, and in the 
fear of the Lord, acquainted them with the exercise I was 
under: and thus, sometimes by a few words, I found 
myself discharged from a heavy burden. 

Atcer this, our friend John Churchman coming into 

I 



98 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

our province with a view to be at some meetings, and to 
join again in the visit to those who had slaves, I bore 
him company in the said visit to some active members, 
and found inward satisfaction. 

At our Yearly Meeting in the year 1759, we had some 
weighty seasons, where the power of Truth was largely 
extended, to the strengthening of the honest-minded. 
As Friends read over the epistles to be sent to the Yearly 
Meetings on this continent, I observed in most of them, 
both this year and last, that it was recommended to 
Friends to labour against buying and keeping slaves; 
and in some of them closely treated upon. As this prac- 
tice hath long been a heavy exercise to me, and I have 
often waded through mortifying labours on that account, 
and at times, in some meetings, been almost alone therein, 
observing now the increasing concern in ©ur religious 
Society, and seeing how^ the Lord was raising up and 
qualifying servants for his work, not only in this respect, 
but for promoting the cause of Truth in general, I was 
humbly bowed in thankfulness before him. This meet- 
ing continued nearly a week; and for several days, in 
the forepart of it, my mind was drawn into a deep inward 
stillness ; and being at times covered with the spirit of 
supplication, my heart was secretly poured out before the 
Lord. Near the conclusion of the meeting for business 
w^ay opened, that in the pure flowings of Divine love, I 
expressed what lay upon me ; which, as it then arose in 
my mind, was " first to show how deep answers to deep 
in the hearts of the sincere and upright; though in their 
different growths they may not all have attained to the 
same clearness in some points relating to our testimony. 
I was led to mention the integrity and constancy of many 
martyrs, w^ho gi ve their lives for the testimony of Jesus ; 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. ^9 

and yet, in some points, held doctrines distinguishable 
from some which we hold ; and that in all ages where 
people were faithful to the light and undei standing which 
the Most High aflbrded them, they found acceptance with 
him ; and that now, though there are different ways of 
thinking amongst us in some particulars, yet, if we mu- 
tually kept to that spirit and power w^hich crucifies to the 
world, which teaches us to be content with things really 
needful, and to avoid all superfluities, giving up our hearts 
to fear and serve the Lord, true unity may still be pre- 
served amongst us. If such who were at times under 
sufferings on account of some scruples of conscience, 
kept low and humble, and in their conduct in life mani- 
fested a spirit of true charity, it would be more likely to 
reach the witness in others, and be of more service in the 
church, than if their sufferings were attended with a con- 
trary spirit and conduct." In this exercise I was drawn 
into a sympathizing tenderness with the sheep of Christ, 
however distinguished one from another in this world ; 
and the like disposition appeared to spread over others in 
the meeting. Great is the goodness of the Lord toward 
his poor creatures. 

An epistle went forth from this Yearly Meeting, w^hich I 
think good to give a place in this journal ; being as follows : 

•'From the Yearly Meeting held at Philadelphia, for 
Pennsylvania and New Jersey, from the 22nd day of 
the ninth month, to the 28th day of the same, inclusive, 
1759. 

^ To the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends lelong- 
ing to the said Yearly Meeting, 

^^ Dearly beloved friends and brethren. 
" In an awful sense of the wisdom and goodriess of 



lOO LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

the Lord our God, whose tender mercies have long been 
continued to us in this land, we affectionately salute you, 
with sincere and fervent desires, that we may reverently 
regard the dispensations of his providence, and improve 
under them. 

«' The empires and kingdoms of the earth are subject 
to his Almighty power. ^ He is the God of the spirits of 
all flesh; and deals with his people agreeably to that 
wisdom, the depth w^hereof is to us unsearchable. We 
m these provinces, may say he hath, as a gracious and 
tender Parent, dealt bountifully with us, even from the 
days of our fathers. It was he who strengthened them 
to labour through the difficulties attending the improve- 
ment of a wilderness, and made way for them in the 
hearts of the natives ; so that by them they were com- 
forted in times of want and distress. It was by the 
gracious influences of his holy Spirit, that they were dis- 
posed to w^ork righteousness, and walk uprightly one 
towards another, and towards the natives, and in life and 
conversation to manifest the excellency of the principles 
and doctrines of the Christian religion ; and thereby they 
retain their esteem and friendship. Whilst they were 
labouring for the necessaries of life, many of them were 
fervently engaged to promote piety and virtue in the 
earth, and to educate their children in the fear of the 
Lord. 

^' If w^e carefully consider the peaceable measures pur- 
sued in the first settlement of the land, and that freedom 
from the desolations of wars, which for a long time we 
enjoyed, we shall find ourselves under strong obligations 
to the Almighty, who, when the earth is so generally 
polluted with wickedness, gave us a being in a part so 
signally favoured with tranquillity and plenty, and in 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 101 

«vhich the glad tidings of the Gospel of Christ are so 
freely published, that we may justly say with the p Jalmist, 
' What shall we render unto the Lord for all his benefits ?' 

'' Our own real good, and the good of our posterity 
in some measure depend on the part we act ; and it nearly 
concerns us to try our foundations impartially. Such 
are the different rewards of the just and unjust in a future 
state, that to attend diligently to the dictates of the spirit 
of Christ, to devote ourselves to his service and engage 
fervently in his cause, during our short stay in this world, 
is a choice well becoming a free intelligent creature. 
We shall thus clearly see and consider that the dealings 
of God with mankind in a national capacity, as recorded 
in holy writ, sufficiently evidence the truth of that saying, 
' it is righteousness which exalteth a nation ;' and though 
he doth not at all times suddenly execute his judgments 
on a sinful people in this life, yet we see by many 
instances, that where ' men follow lying vanities, they 
forsake their own mercies.' As a proud selfish spirit 
prevails and ^spreads among a people, so partial judg- 
ment, oppression, discord, envy and confusion increase, 
and provinces and kingdoms are made to drink the cup 
of adversity as a reward of their own doings. Thus the 
inspired prophet, reasoning with the degenerated Jews, 
saith, ' Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy 
backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore, that it 
is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the 
Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the 
Lord God of hosts.' 

'' The God of our fathers, who hath bestowed on us 
many benefits, furnished a table for us in the wilderness, 
and made the deserts and solitary places to rejoice, doth 
now mercifully call upon us to serve him more faithfully. 

i2 



102 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

We may truly say with the prophet, < it is his voice which 
crieth to the city, and men of wisdom see his name : 
They regard the rod, and him who hath appointed it.' — 
People who look chiefly at things outward, too little con- 
sider the original cause of the present troubles ; but such 
who fear the Lord, and think often upon his name, they 
see and feel that a wrong spirit is spreading among the 
inhabitants of our country ; that the hearts of many are 
waxed fat, and their ears dull of hearing ; that the Most 
High, in his visitations to us, instead of calling, lifteth 
up his voice and crieth ; he crieth to our country, and 
his voice waxeth louder and louder. In former wars 
between the English and other nations, since the settle- 
ment of our provinces, the calamities attending them 
have fallen chiefly on other places, but of late they have 
reached our borders. Many of our fellow-subjects have 
suffered on and near our frontiers, some have been slain 
in battle, some killed in their houses, and some in their 
fields ; some wounded and left in great misery, and others 
separated from their wives and little children, who have 
been carried captives among the Indians. We have 
seen men and women, who have been witnesses of these 
scenes of sorrow, and being reduced to want, have come 
to our houses asking relief. It is not long since it was 
the case of many young men in one of these provinces 
to be drafted, in order to be taken as soldiers. Some 
were at that time in great distress, and had occasion to 
consider that their lives had been too little conformable 
to the purity and spirituality of that religion which we 
profess, and found themselves too little acquainted with 
that inward humility, in which true fortitude to endure 
hardness for the Truth's sake is experienced. Many 
parents were concerned for their children, and in that 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 103 

time of trial were led to consider, that their care to get 
outward treasure for them, had been greater than their 
care for their settlement in that religion which crucifieth 
to the \vorld, and enableth to bear a clear testimony to 
the peaceable government of the Messiah. These trou- 
bles are removed, and for a time we are released from 
them. 

" Let us not forget that ' the Most High hath his way 
in the deep, in clouds and in thick darkness' — that it is 
his voice which crieth to the city and to the country; 
and oh ! that these loud and aw^akening cries, may have 
a proper effect upon us, that heavier chastisement may 
not become necessary! For though things, as to the 
outward, may for a short time afford a pleasing prospect ; 
yet while a selfish spirit, that is not subject to the cross 
of Christ, continueth to spread and prevail, there can be 
no long continuance in outward peace and tranquillity. 
If we desire an inheritance incorruptible, and to be at 
rest in that state of peace and happiness, w^hich ever 
continues; if we desire in this life to dwell under the 
favour and protection of that Almighty Being, whose 
habitation is in holiness, whose ways are all equal and 
whose anger is now kindled, because of our backslidings ; 
let us then awfully regard these beginnings of his sore 
judgments, and with abasement and humiliation turn to 
him whom we have offended. 

" Contending with one equal in strength, is an uneasy 
exercise ; but if the Lord becomes our enemy, if we 
persist to contend with him who is omnipotent, our over- 
throw will be unavoidable. 

''Do we feel an affectionate regard to posterity; and 
are we employed to promote their happiness ? Do our 
minds in things outward, look beyond our own dissolu- 



104 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

tioD • and are we contriving for the prosperity of oui 
children after us ? Let us then like wise builders, lay 
the foundation deep ; and by our constant uniform regard 
to inward piety and virtue, let them see that we really 
value it. Let us labour in the fear of the Lord, that 
their innocent minds, while young and tender, may be 
preserved from corruption ; that as they advance in age, 
they may rightly understand their true interests, may 
consider the uncertainty of temporal things, and above 
all, have their hope and confidence firmly settled in the 
blessing of that Almighty Being who inhabits eternity, 
and preserves and supports the w^orld. 

'' In all our cares about worldly treasures, let us steadily 
bear in mind, that riches possessed by children who do 
not truly serve God, are likely to prove snares that may 
grievously entangle them in that spirit of selfishness and 
exaltation, which stands in opposition to real peace and 
happiness; and renders those enemies to the cross of 
Christ, who submit to the influence of it. 

" To keep a watchful eye towards real objects of 
charity, to visit the poor in their lonesome dwelling- 
places, to comfort those who, through the dispensations 
of Divine Providence, are in strait and painful circum- 
stances in this life, and steadily to endeavour to honour 
God with our substance, from a real sense of the love of 
Christ influencing our minds thereto, is more likely to 
bring a blessing to our children, and will aflbrd more 
satisfaction to a Christian favoured with plenty, than an 
earnest desire to collect much wealth to leave behind us ; 
for ' here we have no continuing city ;' may we therefore 
diligently ' se?k one that is to come, whose builder and 
ttiaker is God ' 

'^ 'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, what- 



IIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 105 

soever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, what- 
soever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good 
report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, 
.hink on these things and do them, and the God of peace 
shall be with you.' 

" Signed by appointment, and on behalf of our said 
meetings by seven Friends." 

On the 28th day of the eleventh month, in the year 
1759, I was at the Quarterly Meeting in Bucks county. 
This day being the meeting of ministers and elders, my 
heart was enlarged in the love of Jesus Christ; and the 
favour of the Most High was extended to us in that and 
the ensuing meeting. 

I had conversation at my lodging, w^ith my beloved 
friend Samuel Eastburn; who expressed a concern to 
join in a visit to some Friends in that county who had 
negroes ; and as I had felt a draught in my mind to that 
work in the said county, I came home and put things in 
order. On the 11th day of the tw^elfth month following, 
I went over the river ; and on the next day was at Buck- 
ingham meeting; where, through the descendings of 
heavenly dew, my mind w^as comforted and drawn into 
near unity with the flock of Jesus Christ. 

Entering upon this visit appeared weighty ; and before 
I left home my mind was often sad ; under which exer- 
cise I felt at times, the Holy Spirit which helps our in- 
firmities ; through which, in private, my prayers were at 
times put up to God, that he would please to purge me 
from all selfishness, that I might be strengthened to dis- 
charge my duty faithfully, how hard soever to the natural 
part. We proceeded on the visit in a weighty frame of 
spirit, and went to the houses of the most active mem- 
D^TS throughout the county who had negroes ; and through 



1 06 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

the goodness of the Lord, my mind was preserved in 
resignation in times" of trial, and though the work was 
hard to nature, yet through the strength of that love which 
is stronger than death, tenderness of heart w^as often felt 
amongst us in our visits, and we parted from several fami- 
lies with greater satisfaction than we expected. 

We visited Joseph White's family, he being in Eng- 
land; had also a family sitting at the house of an elder 
who bore us company, and was at Makefield on a first- 
day; at all which times my heart was truly thankful to 
the Lord, who was graciously pleased to renew his loving 
kindness to us, his poor servants, uniting us together in 
his work. 

In the winter of this year, the smallpox being in our 
town, and many being inoculated, of which a few died, 
some things w^ere opened in my mind, which I wrote as 
follow : 

The more fully our lives are conformable to the will of 
God, the better it is for us. I have looked on the small- 
pox as a messenger from the Almighty, to be an assistant 
in the cause of virtue, and to incite us to consider whether 
we employ our time in such things only as are consistent 
with perfect wisdom and goodness. 

Building houses suitable to dwell in, for ourselves and 
our creatures ; preparing clothing suitable for the climate 
and season, and food convenient, are duties incumbent 
on us : and under these general heads, are many branches 
of business, in which we may venture health and life, as 
necessity may require. 

This disease being in a house, and my business call- 
ing me to go near it, it incites me to think, whether this 
business is a real indispensable duty ; whether it is not 
*n conformity to some custom which would be better 



WFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 10/ 

laid aside; or whether it does not proceed from too 
eager a pursuit after outward treasure. If the business 
before me springs not from a clear understanding, and a 
regard to that use of things which perfect wisdom ap- 
proves ; to be brought to a sense of it, and stopped in 
my pursuit, is a kindness ; for when I proceed to busi- 
ness w^ithout some evidence of duty, I have found by 
experience, that it tends to weakness. 

If I am so situated that there appears no probability 
of missing the infection, it tends to make me think, 
w^hether my manner of life in things outward, has nothing 
in it which may unfit my body to receive this messenger, 
in a way the most favourable to me. Do I use food and 
drink in no other sort, and in no other degree, than was 
designed by Him w^ho gave these creatures for our suste- 
nance ? Do I never abuse my body by inordinate la- 
bour, striving to accomplish some end which I have 
unwisely proposed ? Do I use action enough in some 
useful employ ? Or do I sit too much idle, while some 
persons who labour to support me, have too great a 
share of it ? If in any of these things I am deficient, to 
be incited to consider it, is a favour to me. 

Employment is necessary in social life ; and this in- 
fection which often proves mortal, incites me to think, 
whether these social acts of mine are real duties: if I go 
on a visit to the widows and fatherless, do I go purely 
on a principle of charity, free from any selfish views? 
If I go to a religious meeting, it puts me on thinking, 
whether I go in sincerity and a clear sense of duty ; or 
whether it is not partly in conformity to custom, or partly 
from a sensible delight which my animal spirits feel in 
the company of other people ; and w^hether to support 
my reputation as a religious man, has no share in it. 



108 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Do affairs relating to civil society, call me near thif 
infection ? If I go, it is at the hazard of my health and 
life ; and it becomes me to think seriously, whether love 
to Truth and righteousness is the motive of my attend- 
ing; whether the manner of proceeding is altogether 
equitable ; or w^hether ought of narrowness, party in- 
terest, respect to outw ard dignities, names or distinctions 
among men, stains the beauty of those assemblies, and 
renders it doubtful in point of duty, whether a disciple 
of Christ ought to attend as a member united to the body 
or not. 

Whenever there are blemishes w^hich remain for a 
series of time, that w^hich is a means of stirring us up to 
look attentively on these blemishes, and to labour ac- 
cording to our capacities, to have health and soundness 
restored in our country, we may justly account a kind- 
ness from our gracious Father, who appointed that mean. 

The care of a wise and good man for his only son, is 
inferior to the regard of the great Parent of the universe 
for his creatures. He hath the command of all the 
powers and operations in nature ; and '' doth not aflSict 
willingly, nor grieve the children of men:" chastisement 
is intended for instruction, and instruction being received 
by gentle chastisement, greater calamities are prevented. 

By an earthquake, hundreds of houses are sometimes 
shaken dow^n in a few^ minutes, and multitudes of people 
perish suddenly ; and many naore being crushed and 
bruised in the ruins of the buildings, pine away and die 
in great misery. 

By the breaking in of enraged, merciless armies, 
flourishing countries have been laid waste, great numbers 
of people have perished in a short time, and many more 
been pressed with poverty and grief. 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 10& 

By the pestilence, people have died so fast in a city, 
that through fear, grief and confusion, those in health 
have found great difficulty in burying the dead, even 
without coffins. 

By famine, great numbers of people, in some places, 
have been brought to the utmost distress, and pined 
away for want of the necessaries of life. Thus, where 
the kind invitations and gentle chastisements of a gra- 
cious God have not been attended to, his sore judgments 
have at times, been poured out upon people. 

While some rules approved in civil society, and con- 
formable to human policy, so called, are distinguishable 
from the purity of Truth and righteousness ; while many, 
professing Truth, are declining from that ardent love and 
heavenly-mindedness, w^hich w^ere amongst the primitive 
followers of Jesus Christ, it is a time for us to attend 
diligently to the intent of every chastisement, and con- 
sider the most deep and inward design of them. 

The Most High doth not often speak with an outward 
voice to our outward ears ; but if we humbly meditate 
on his perfections, consider that he is perfect wisdom 
and goodness, and that to afflict his creatures to no pur- 
pose, would be utterly averse to his nature, we shall hear 
and understand his language, both in his gentle and more 
heavy chastisements ; and take heed that we do not, in 
the wisdom of this world, endeavour to escape his hand 
by means too powerful for us. 

Had he endowed men with understanding to hinder 
the force of this disease by innocent means, which had 
never proved mortal nor hurtful to our bodies, such dis 
covery might be considered as the period of chastise 
ment by this distemper, where that knowledge extended. 
But as life and health are his gifts, and not to te dis- 

K 



IIU LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

posed of in our own wills, to take upon us, when in 
health, a distemper of which some die, requires greai 
clearness of knowledge, that it is our duty to do so. 



CHAPTER VII. 

His visit in company with Samuel Eastburnj to Long Island, 
Rhode Island, Boston, &c.j in New England — Remarks on 
the slave trade at Newport, and his exercise o.^ that ac- 
count i also on lotteries — Some observations on the i .laiid of 
Nantucket, 

Having for some time past felt a sympathy in my 
mind with Friends eastward, I opened my concern in 
our Monthly Meeting; and obtaining a certificate, set 
forward on the 17th day of the fourth month, in the yrar 
1760, joining in company, by a previous agreement, 
with my beloved friend Samuel Eastburn. We had 
meetings at Woodbridge, Rahway and Plainfield ; and 
were at their Monthly Meeting of ministers and elders in 
Rahway. We laboured under some discouragement ; 
but through the invisible power of Truth, our visit was 
made reviving to the lowly-minded, with whom I felt a 
near unity of spirit, being much reduced in my mind. 
We passed on and visited most of the meetings on Long 
Island, It was my concern from day to day, to say no 
more nor less than what the Spirit of Truth opened in 
me, being jealous over myself, lest I should speak any 
thing to make my testimony look agreeable to that mind 
in people, which is not in pure obedience to the cross 
of Christ. 

The spring of the ministry was often low ; and through 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. Ill 

the subjecting power of Truth, we were kept low wdth 
it ; and from place to place, such whose hearts were 
truly concerned for the cause of Christ, appeared to be 
comforted in our labours ; and though it was in general 
a time of abasement of the creature, yet through His 
goodness, who is a helper of the poor, we had some truly 
edifying seasons both in meetings and in families where 
w^e tarried ; and sometimes found strength to labour ear- 
nestly with the unfaithful, especially with those whose 
station in families, or in the Society was such, that their 
example had a powerful tendency to open the way for 
others to go aside from the purity and soundness of the 
blessed Truth. At Jericho, on Long Island, I wrote 
home as follows : 

" 24th of the Fourth month, 1760. 
"Dearly beloved wife, 

"We are favoured with health; have been at sundry 
meetings in East Jersey, and on this island : my mind 
hath been much in an inward watchful frame since I left 
thee, greatly desiring that our proceedings may be singly 
in the will of our heavenly Father. 

"As the present appearance of things is not joyous, I 
have been much shut up from outward cheerfulness, re- 
membering that promise, ' Then shalt thou delight thy- 
self in the Lord.' As this, from day to day, has been 
reviv^ed in my memory, I have considered that his inter- 
nal presence on our minds, is a delight of all others the 
most pure ; and that the honest-hearted not only delight 
in this, but in the effect of it upon them. He who re- 
gards the helpless and distressed, reveals his love to his 
children under affliction, and they delight in beholding 
his benevolence, and feeling Divine charity moving upon 



112 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

them. 0^ this I may speak a little ; for though, since I 
left you, I have often found an engaging love and affec- 
tion toward thee and my daughter, and friends about 
home, that going out at this time, when sickness is so 
great amongst you, is a trial upon me ; yet I often re- 
member there are many ^vidows and fatherless, many 
\vho have poor tutors, many who have evil examples be- 
fore them, and many whose minds are in captivity ; for 
whose sake my heart is at times moved with compassion, 
that I feel my mind resigned to leave you for a season, 
to exercise that gift which the Lord hath bestowed on 
me ; which, though small, compared with some, yet in 
this I rejoice, that I feel love unfeigned toward my fel- 
low-creatures. I recommend you to the Almighty, who, 
I trust, cares for you ; and under a sense of his heavenly 
love, remain. 

<' Thy loving husband, 

''J. W." 

We crossed from the east end of Long Island to New 
London, about thirty miles, in a large open boat ; while 
we were out, the wind rising high, the waves several 
times beat over us, and to me it appeared dangerous ; 
but my mind was at that time, turned to Him who made 
and governs the deep, and my life was resigned to him : 
and as he was mercifully pleased to preserve us, I had 
fresh occasion to consider every day as a day lent to me ; 
and felt a renewed engagement to devote my time and 
all I had to Him who gave it. 

We had five meetings in Narraganset ; and went thence 
to Newport on Rhode Island. Our gracious Father pre- 
served us in an humble dependence on him through deep 
exercises, that were mortifying to the creaturely will. In 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. ^l3 

several families in the country where we lodged, I felt 
an engagement on my mind to have a conference with 
them in private concerning their slaves ; and through 
Divine aid, I was favoured to give up thereto. Though, 
in this concern, I appear singular from many whose 
service in travelling I believe is greater than mine, I do 
not think hard of them for omitting it ; nor do I repine 
at having so unpleasant a task assigned me, but look 
with awfulness to Him, w^ho appoints to his servants their 
respective employments, and is good to all who serve 
him sincerely. 

We got to Newport in the evening, and on the next 
day visited two sick persons, and had comfortable sittings 
with them ; and in the afternoon attended the burial of a 
Friend. 

The next day we were at meetings at Newport, in the 
forenoon and afternoon ; where the spring of the ministry 
was opened, and strength given to declare the word of 
life to the people. 

The next day we w^ent on our journey ; but the great 
number of slaves in these parts, and the continuance of 
that trade from thence to Guinea, made a deep impres- 
sion on me ; and my cries were often put up to my 
heavenly Father in secret, that he would enable me to 
discharge my duty faithfully, in such way as he might be 
pleased to point out to me. 

We took Swansea, Freetown and Taunton, in our 
way to Boston ; where also we had a meeting ; our ex- 
ercise was deep, and the love of Truth prevailed, for 
which I bless the Lord. We went eastward about eighty 
miles beyond Boston, taking meetings, and were in a 
good degree preserved in an humble dependence on that 
arm which drew us out ; and though we had some hard 

k2 



114 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

labour with the disobedient, laying things closely home 
to such as were stout against the Truth ; yet through the 
goodness of God, we had at times to partake of heavenly 
comfort with them who were meek, and were often 
favoured to part with Friends in the nearness of true 
Gospel feirowship. We returned to Boston, and had 
another comfortable opportunity with Friends there ; and 
thence rode back a day's journey eastward of Boston. — 
Our guide being a heavy man, and the weather hot, 
and my companion and I considering it, expressed our 
freedom to go on without him, to which he consented, 
and we respectfully took our leave of him ; we did 
this, believing the journey would be hard to him and his 
horse. 

We visited the meetings in those parts, and w^ere mea- 
surably baptized into a feeling of the state of the Society ; 
and in bowedness of spirit went to the Yearly Meeting 
at Newport ; where I understood that a large number of 
slaves had been imported from Africa into that town, and 
were then on sale by a member of our Society. At this 
meeting we met with John Storer from England, Eliza- 
beth Shipley, Ann Gaunt, Hannah Foster, and Mercy 
Redman from our parts, all ministers of the Gospel, of 
w^hose company I was glad. 

At this time my appetite failed, and I grew outwardly 
weak, and had a feeling of the condition of Habbakuk, 
as thus expressed; ''When I heard my belly trembled, 
my lips quivered, I trembled in myself that I might rest 
in the day of trouble." I had many cogitations, and 
was sorely distressed ; and was desirous that Friends 
might petition the legislature, to use their endeavours 
to discourage the future importation of slaves; for I 
saw that this trade was a great evil, and tended to mul- 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 115 

tiply troubles and bring distresses on the people ir those 
parts, for whose welfare my heart was deeply concerned. 

But I perceived several difficulties in regard to petition- 
ing ; and such was the exercise of my mind, that I thought 
of endeavouring to get an opportunity to speak a few 
words in the House of Assembly, then sitting in town. 
This exercise came upon me in the afternoon, on the 
second day of the Yearly Meeting, and going to bed, I 
got no sleep till my mind was w^holly resigned therein ; 
and in the morning I inquired of a Friend how^ long the 
• Assembly were likely to continue sitting; who told me, 
they were expected to be prorogued that day of the next. 

As I was desirous to attend the business of the meeting, 
and perceived that the Assembly were likely to depart 
before the business was over ; after considerable exercise, 
humbly seeking to the Lord for instruction, my mind 
settled to attend on the business of the meeting. I had 
prepared a short essay of a petition to be presented to the 
legislature, if way opened ; and being informed that there 
were some appointed by that Yearly Meeting, to speak 
with those in authority, in cases relating to the Society, 
I opened my mind to several of them, and showed them 
the essay I had made ; and afterward opened the case in 
the meeting for business, in substance as follows : 

'' I have been under a concern for some time, on ac- 
count of the great number of slaves who are imported into 
this colony. I am aware that it is a tender point to 
speak to, but apprehend I am not clear in the sight of 
heaven without speaking to it. I have prepared an essay 
of a petition, if way open, to be presented to the legisla-. 
ture ; and what I have to propose to this meeting is, that 
* some Friends may be named to withdraw and look over 
it, and report whether they believe it suitable to be read 



116 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

in the meeting ; if they should think well of reading it, it 
will remain for the meeting, after hearing it, to consider 
^'hether to take any further notice of it as a meeting or 
not." After a short conference some friends went out, 
and looking over it, expressed their willingness to have 
it read ; w^hich being done, many expressed their unity 
with the proposal ; and some signified, that to have the 
subjects of the petition enlarged upon, and to be signed 
out of meeting by such who were free, would be more 
suitable than to do it there. Though I expected at first, 
that if it was done it would be in that way ; yet such was 
the exercise of my mind, that to move it in the hearing 
of Friends when assembled, appeared to me a duty. My 
heart yearned toward the inhabitants of these parts ; be- 
lieving that by this trade there had been an increase of 
inquietude amongst them, and a way made easy for the 
spreading of a spirit opposite to that meekness and hu- 
mility, w^hich is a sure resting-place for the soul ; and 
that the continuance of this trade would not only render 
their healing more difficult, but increase their malady. 

Having proceeded thus far, I felt easy to leave the essay 
amongst Friends, for them to dispose of as they believed 
best. And now an exercise revived on my mind in re- 
lation to lotteries, w^hich w^ere common in those parts. I 
had moved it in a former sitting of this meeting, when 
arguments w^ere used in favour of Friends being held 
excused, w^ho w^ere only concerned in such lotteries as 
w^ere agreeable to law. On moving it again, it was op- 
posed as before ; but the hearts of some solid Friends 
appeared to be united to discourage the practice amongst 
their members ; and the matter was zealously handled by 
some on both sides. In this debate it appeared very 
clear to me, that the spirit of lotteries was a spirit of sel- 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 117 

fishness, which tended to confusion and darkness of un- 
derstanding ; and that pleading for it in our meetings, set 
apart for the Lord's work, was not right : and in the heat 
of zeal, I once made reply to what an ancient Friend said, 
and when I sat down, I saw that my words were not enough 
seasoned with charity ; and after this I spoke no more on 
the subject. At length a minute was made ; a copy of 
which was agreed to be sent to their several Quarterly 
Meetings, inciting Friends to labour to discourage the 
practice amongst all professing with us. 

Some time after this minute was made, I remaining 
uneasy with the manner of my speaking to the ancient 
Friend, could not see my way clear to conceal my un- 
easiness, but was concerned that I might say nothing to 
weaken the cause in which I had laboured. After some 
close exercise and hearty repentance that I had not at- 
tended closely to the safe guide, I stood up and reciting 
the passage, acquainted Friends that though I dare not 
go from what I had said as to the matter, yet I was un- 
easy with the manner of my speaking, believing milder 
language would have been better. As this was uttered 
in some degree of creaturely abasement, it appeared to 
have a good savour amongst us, after a warm debate. 

The Yearly Meeting being now over, there remained 
on my mind a secret, though heavy exercise in regard to 
some leading active members about Newport, being in 
the practice of slave-keeping. This I mentioned to two 
ancient Friends who came out of the country, and pro- 
posed to them, if way opened, to -have some conversation 
with those Friends : and thereupon, one of those country 
Frien^ds and I, consulted one of the most noted elders 
who had slaves ; and he, in a respectful manner, encour* 
iged me to proceed to clear myself of what lay upon me 



1 18 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

I had had, near the beginning of the Yearly Meeting, a 
private conference with this elder and his wife, concern- 
ing theirs ; so that the way seemed clear to me, to advise 
with him about the manner of proceeding. I told him, 
I was free to have a conference with them all together in 
a private house ; or if he thought they would take it un- 
kind to be asked to come together, and to be spoken 
with in the hearing of each other, I was free to spend 
some time among them, and visit them all in their own 
houses. He expressed his liking to the first proposal, 
not doubting their willingness to come together ; and as 
I proposed a visit to ministers, elders and overseers only; 
he named some others, whom he desired might be pre- 
sent also. As a careful messenger was wanted to ac- 
quaint them in a proper manner, he oflered to go to all 
their houses to open the matter to them ; and did so. — 
About the eighth hour next morning, we met in the 
meeting-house chamber, and the last-mentioned country 
Friend, also my companion and John Storer, with us ; 
when, after a short time of retirement, I acquainted them 
with the steps I had taken in procuring that meeting, 
opened the concern I was under, and we proceeded to a 
free conference upon the subject. My exercise was heavy, 
and I was deeply bowed in spirit before the Lord, who 
was pleased to favour with the seasoning virtue of Truth, 
which wTought a tenderness amongst us ; and the sub- 
ject w^as mutually handled in a calm and peaceable 
spirit. At length feeling my mind released from the 
burthen which I had been under, I took my leave of 
them in a good degree of satisfaction ; and by the ten- 
derness they manifested in regard to the practice, and 
the concern several of them expressed in relation to the 
manner of disposing of their negroes after their decease, 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN, 119 

I believed that a good exercise was spreading amongst 
them ; and I am humbly thankful to God, who supported 
my mind, and preserved me in a good degree of resig- 
nation through these trials. 

Thou, who sometimes travels in the work of the minis- 
try, and art made very welcome by thy friends, and seest 
many tokens of their satisfaction, in having thee for their 
guest ; it is good for thee to dwell deep, that thou mayest 
feel and understand the spirits of people. If we believe 
Truth points towards a conference on some subjects, in a 
private way, it is needful for us to take heed that their 
kindness, their freedom and affability, do not hinder us 
from the Lord's work. I have seen, that in the midst of 
kindness and smooth conduct, to speak close and home 
to them who entertain us, on points that relate to their 
outward interest, is hard labour; and sometimes w'hen I 
have felt Truth lead toward it, I have found myself dis- 
qualified by a superficial friendship. As the sense thereof 
hath abased me, and my cries have been to the Lord, I 
have been humbled and made content to appear weak, 
or as a fool for his sake ; and thus a door hath opened 
to enter upon it. To attempt to do the Lord's w^ork in 
our own way, and to speak of that which is the burthen 
of the word, in a way easy to the natural part, doth not 
reach the bottom of the disorder. To see the failings of 
our friends, and think hard of them, w^ithout opening that 
which we ought to open, and still carry a face of friendship, 
this tends to undermine the foundation of true unity. 

The oflSce of a minister of Christ is weighty ; and 
they who now go forth as watchmen, had need to be 
steadily on their guard against the snares of prosperity 
and an outside friendship. 

Afte^ the Yearly Meeting we were at meetings at New 



120 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

town, Acushnet, Cushnet, Long Plain, Rochester ana 
Dartmouth, From thence we sailed for Nantucket, in 
company with Ann Gaunt and Mercy Redman, and seve- 
ral other Friends : the wind being slack, we only reached 
Tarpawling Cove the first day ; where, going on shore, 
we found room in a public house, and beds for a few of 
us, the rest sleeping on the floor. We went on board 
again about break of day; and though the w^ind was 
small, we were favoured to come within about four miles 
of Nantucket ; and about ten of us getting into our boat, 
we rowed to the harbour before dark ; whereupon a large 
Doat going off, brought in the rest of the passengers 
about midnight. Th-e next day but one was their Yearly 
Meeting, which held four days ; the last of which was 
the Monthly Meeting for business. We had a laborious 
time amongst them ; our minds were closely exercised, 
and I believe it was a time of great searching of heart: 
the longer I was on the island, the more I became sensi- 
ble that there was a considerable number of valuable 
Friends there, though an evil spirit tending to strife, had 
been at work amongst them. I was cautious of making 
any visits, but as my mind was particularly drawn to 
them ; and in that way we had some sittings in Friend's 
houses, where the heavenly wing was at times spread 
over us, to our mutual comfort. 

My beloved companion had very acceptable service on 
this island. 

When meeting was over, we all agreed to sail the next 
day, if the weather was suitable and we well ; and being 
called up the latter part of the night, we went on board 
a vessel, being in all about fifty; but the wind changing, 
the seamen thought best to stay in the harbour till 1. 
altered ; so we returned on shore. Feeling clear as to 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 121 

any further visits, I spent my time in our chambei chiefly 
alone ; and after some hours, my heart being filled with 
the spirit of supplication, my prayers and tears were 
poured out before my heavenly Father, for his help and 
instruction in the manifold difficulties which attended me 
in life. While I was w aiting upon the Lord, there came 
a messenger from the women Friends, who lodged at 
another house, desiring to confer with us about appoint- 
ing a meeting, w'hich to me appeared weighty, as we had 
been at so many before ; but after a short conference, and 
advising w^ith some elderly Friends, a meeting w^as ap- 
pointed, in which the Friend w^ho first moved it, and who 
had been much shut up before, w^as largely opened in 
the love of the Gospel. The next morning about break 
of day, going again on board the vessel, we reached 
Falmouth on the main before night; where our horses 
being brought, we proceeded towards Sandwich Quar- 
terly Meeting. 

Being tW'O days in going to Nantucket, and having 
been there once before, I observed many shoals in their 
bay, which make sailing more dangerous, especially in 
stormy nights; also, that a great shoal, which encloses 
their harbour, prevents their going in with sloops, except 
when the tide is up. Waiting without this shoal for the 
rising of the tide, is sometimes hazardous in storms: 
waiting wdthin, they sometimes miss a fair w^ind. I took 
notice that on this small island was a great number of 
inhabitants, and the soil not very fertile ; the timber so 
gone, that for vessels, fences and firewood, they depend 
chiefly on the buying from the main ; to answer the cost 
whereof, with most of their other expenses, they depend 
principally upon the whale fishery. I considered that as 
towns grew larger, and lands near navigable waters were 

L 



122 LIFE OF JOHN W :)OLMAN. 

more cleaied, it wo Jd require more labour to get timber 
and wood. I understood that the whales being much 
nunted, and sometimes wounded and not killed, grew 
more shy and difficult to come at: I considered that the 
formation of the earth, the seas, the islands, bays and 
rivers, the motion of the winds and great waters, which 
cause bars and shoals in particular places, were all the 
works of Him who is perfect wisdom and goodness; and 
as people attend to his heavenly instruction, and put their 
trust in him, he provides for them in all parts, where he 
gives them a being. In this visit to these people, I felt 
a strong desire for their firm establishment on the sure 
foundation ; and besides what was said more pubhcly, I 
was concerned to speak with the women Friends, in their 
Monthly Meeting of business, many being present ; and 
in the fresh spring of pure love, to open before them the 
advantage, both inward and outward, of attending singly 
to the pure guidance of the Holy Spirit, and therein to 
educate their children in true humility, and the disuse of 
all superfluities, reminding them of the difficulties their 
husbands and sons were frequently exposed to at sea ; 
and that the more plain and simple their way of living 
was, the less need there would be of running great 
hazards to support them in it. I encouraged the young 
w^omen in their neat decent way of attending themselves 
on the affairs of the house ; showing, as the way opened, 
that where people w^re truly humble, used themselves to 
business, and w^ere content w^ith a plain way of life, it 
had ever been attended with more true peace and calm- 
ness of mind, than they have had who, aspiring to great- 
m^ss and outw^ard show, have grasped hard for an income 
to support themselves in it. As I observed they had few 
or no slaves amongst them, I had to (ncourage them to 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 123 

be content without them ; making mention of the numer- 
ous troubles and vexations, which frequently attend the 
minds of people, who depend on slaves tc do their 
labour. 

We attended the Quarterly Meeting at Sandwich, m 
ccmpany w4th Ann Gaunt and Mercy Redman, which 
was preceded by a Monthly Meeting, and in the whole 
held three days. We were, in various ways exercised 
amongst them in Gospel love, according to the several 
gifts bestowed on us ; and were at times, overshadowed 
with the virtue of Truth, to the comfort of the sincere 
and the stirring up of the negligent. Here we parted 
with Ann and Mercy, and went to Rhode Island, taking 
one meeting in our way, which was a satisfactory time ; 
and reaching Newport the evening before their Quarterly 
Meeting, we attended it ; and after that had a meeting 
with our young people, separated from those of other 
societies. We went through much labour in this town ; 
and now in taking leave of it, though I felt close inward 
exercise to the last, I found peace; and was in some 
degree comforted in a belief, that a good number remain 
in that place, who retain a sense of Truth ; and that there 
are some young people attentive to the voice of the hea- 
vcnl) Shepherd. The last meeting in which Friends from 
the several parts of the quarter came together, was select ; 
and through the renewed manifestation of the Father's 
love, the hearts of the sincere were united together. 
• That poverty of spirit and inward weakness, with 
which I was much tried during the fore part of this jour- 
ney, has of late appeared to me to be a dispensation 
of kindness. Appointing meetings never appeared more 
weighty to me. I was lead into deep search, whether in 
all thing's my mind was resigned to the will of God ; 



124 LIFi: OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

often querying with myself, what should be the cause of 
such inw^ard poverty ; and greatly desired that no secret 
reserve in my heart might hinder my access to the Divine 
fountain. In these humbling times I was made watchful, 
and excited to attend to the secret movings of the hea- 
venly principle in my mind which prepared the way to 
some duties, that in more easy and prosperous times as 
to the outward, I believe I should have been in danger 
of omitting. 

From Newport we went to Greenwich, Shanticut and 
Warwick; and w^ere helped to labour amongst Friends 
in the love of our gracious Redeemer ; and then, ac- 
companied by our friend John Casey from Newport, w^e 
rode through Connecticut to Oblong, visited the meet- 
ings of Friends in those parts, and thence proceeded to 
the Quarterly Meeting at Ryewoods; and through the 
gracious extendings of Divine help, had some seasoning 
opportunities in those places. We visited Friends at 
New York and Flushing; and thence to Rahway; and 
here our roads parting, I took leave of my beloved com- 
panion and true yoke-mate Samuel Eastburn ; and reached 
home on the 10th day of the eighth month, 1760, W'here 
I found my family well : and for the favours and pro- 
tection of the Lord, both inward and outward, extended 
to me in this journey, my heart is humbled in grateful 
acknowledgments; and I fine! renew^ed desires to dweii 
and v/alk in resignedness bef( re him. 



LIFE or JOHK WOOLMAN. 125 



CHAPTER VIII. 

His visits lo Pennsylvania, Shrewsbury and Squan — publishes the 
second part ol his Considerations on keeping negroes — The 
grounds of his appearing in some respects singular in his 
dress — visits the families of Friends of Ancocas and Mount 
Holly meetings — visit to the Indians at Wehaloosing on the 
river Susquehanna. 

Having felt my mind drawn toward a visit to a few 
meetings in Pennsylvania, I was very desirous to be 
rightly instructed as to the time of setting off. On the 
10th day of the fifth month, 1761, being the first-day of 
the week, I went to Haddonfield meeting, concluding to 
seek for heavenly instruction, and to come home or go 
on, as I might then believe best for me ; and there, 
through the springing up of pure love, I felt encourage- 
ment, and so crossed the river. In this visit I was at two 
Quarterly and three Monthly Meetings ; and in the love 
of Truth, felt my way open to labour with some noted 
Friends who kept negroes ; and as I was favoured to keep 
to the root, and endeavoured to discharge what I believed 
was required of me, I found inward peace therein from 
time to time ; and thankfulness of heart to the Lord, who 
was graciously pleased to be a guide to me. 

In the eighth month, 1761, having felt drawings in my 
mind to visit Friends in and about Shrewsbury, I went 
there, and was at their Monthly Meeting, and the meet- 
ing on first-day; had a meeting at Squan, and another 
at Sauankum; and as way opened, had conversation with 
some noted Friends concerning their slaves : and I re- 
tu'-ned home in a thankful sense of the goodness of the 
Lord 

l2 



126 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMaN. 

From the care I had felt growing in me for some years, 
I wrote Considerations on keeping Negroes, part the 
second ; which was printed during this year 1762. When 
the overseers of the press had done wdth it, they offered 
to get a number printed, to be paid for out of the Yearly 
Meeting stock, and to be given away ; but I being most 
easy to publish them at my own expense, and offering 
my reasons they appeared satisfied. 

This stock is the contribution of the members of our 
religious Society in general; amongst whom are some 
who keep negroes, and being inclined to continue them 
in slavery, are not likely to be satisfied with those books 
being spread amongst a people where many of the slaves 
are taught to read, and especially at their expense ; and 
such receiving them as a gift, often conceal them. But 
as they who make a purchase, generally buy that which 
they have a mind for, I believed it best to sell them ; 
expecting, by that means, they would more generally be 
read with attention. Advertisements being signed by 
order of the overseers of the press, directed to be read 
in Monthly Meetings of business within our own Yearly 
Meeting, informing where the books were, and that the 
price w^as no more than the cost of printing and binding 
them ; many were taken off in our parts ; some I sent to 
Virginia, some to New York, and some to Newport, to 
my acquaintance there ; and some I kept, expecting to 
give part of them away, where there appeared a prospect 
of service. 

In my youth I was used to hard labour ; and though 1 
was middling healthy, yet my nature was not fitted to 
endure so much as many others. Being often weary, I 
was prepared to sympathize w^ith those whose circum- 
stances in life, as free men, required constant labotlr to 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 127 

answer the demands of their creditors; and with others 
under oppression. In the uneasiness of body, which I 
have many times felt by too much labour, not as a forced 
but a vohintary oppression, I have often been excited to 
think on the original cause of that oppression w^hich is 
imposed on many in the world. During the latter part 
of the time wherein I laboured on our plantation, my 
heart through the fresh visitations of heavenly love, being 
often tender; and my leisure time frequently spent in 
reading the life and doctrines of our blessed Redeemer, 
the account of the sufferings of martyrs, and the history 
of the first rise of our Society; a belief w^as gradually 
settled in my mind, that if such w^ho have great estates, 
generally lived in that humility and plainness which be- 
longs to a Christian life, and laid much easier rents and 
interests on their lands and moneys, and thus led the way 
to a right use of things, so great a number of people 
might be employed in things useful, that labour both for 
men and other creatures would need to be no more than an 
agreeable employ ; and divers branches of business which 
serve chiefly to please the natural inclinations of our 
minds, and which, at present, seem necessary to circulate 
that w^ealth which some gather, might in this w^ay of pure 
wisdom be discontinued. As I have thus considered 
these things, a query at times hath arisen ; Do I in all my 
proceedings, keep to that use of things which is agree- 
able to universal -righteousness? And then there hath 
some degre^ of sadness at times come over me ; because 
I accustomed myself to some things w^hich occasioned 
more labour than I believe Divine wisdom intends for us. 
From m) early acquaintance with Truth, I have often 
felt an inward distress, occasioned by the striving of a 
spirit in me, against the operation of the heavenly princi 



128 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

pie; and in this circumstance have been affected with a 
sense of my own wretchedness, and in a mourning con- 
dition felt earnest longings for that Divine help, which 
brings the soul into true liberty. Sometimes in this state, 
retiring into private places, the spirit of supplication hath 
been given me; and under a heavenly covering, I have 
asked my gracious Father to give me a heart in all things 
resigned to the direction of his wisdom ; and in uttering 
language like this, the thoughts of my w^earing hats and 
garments dyed with a dye hurtful to them, have made 
lasting impressions on me. 

In visiting people of note in the Society who had slaves, 
and labouring with them in brotherly love on that account, 
I have seen, and the sight has affected me, that a con- 
formity to some customs distinguishable from pure wis- 
dom, has entangled many; and that the desire of gain to 
support these customs, greatly opposed the work of Truth. 
Sometimes w^hen the prospect of the w'ork before me has 
been such, that in bowedness of spirit I have been drawn 
into retired places, and besought the Lord with tears that 
he w^ould take me w^holly under his direction, and show 
me the w^ay in w^hich I ought to walk ; it has revived 
w^ith strength of conviction, that if I w^ould be his faithful 
servant, I must in all things attend to his wisdom, and be 
teachable ; and cease from all customs contrary thereto, 
how^ever used amongst religious people. 

As he is the perfection of power, of wisdom and of 
goodness, so I believe he hath provided that so much 
labour shall be necessary for men's support in this world, 
as would, being rightly divided, be a suitable employ- 
ment of their time ; and that we cannot go into superflui- 
ties, or grasp after wealth in a way contrary to his wisdom,, 
without having connexion with some degree of opprcs 



LIFE OF JOHN W^OOLMAN. 129 

sion, and with that spirit which leads to self-exaltation 
and strife, and which frequently brings calamities on 
countries, by parties contending about their claims. 

Being thus fully convinced, and feeling an increasing 
desire to live in the spirit of peace ; being often sorrow- 
fully affected in thinking on the unquiet spirit in which 
wars are generally carried on, and with the miseries of 
many of my fellow-creatures engaged therein ; some sud- 
denly destroyed ; some w^ounded, and after much pain 
remain cripples ; some deprived of all their outward sub- 
stance and reduced to want ; and some carried into cap- 
Vivity— thinking often on these things, the use of hats 
and garments dyed with a dye hurtful to them, and w^ear- 
ing more clothes in summer than are useful, grew more 
uneasy to me ; believing them to be customs which have 
not their foundation in pure wisdom. The apprehension 
of being singular from my beloved friends, w^as a strait 
upon me ; and thus I remained in the use of some things 
contrary to my judgment. 

On the 31st day of the fifth month, 1761, I was taken 
ill of a fever ; and after having it near a week, I was in 
great distress of body. And one day there was a cry 
raised in me, that I might understand the cause why I 
w^as afflicted, and improve under it. My conformity to 
some customs which I believed were not right, w^as then 
brought to my remembrance ; and in the continuation of 
the exercise, I felt all the powers in me yield themselves 
up into the hands of Him who gave me being ; and w^as 
made thankful that he had taken hold of me by his chas- 
tisement. Feeling the necessity of further purifying, there 
was now no desire in me for health, until the design of 
my correction was answered ; and thus I lay in abase- 
Vi'^n^ and brokenness of spirit, and as I felt a sinking 



130 LIFE OP JOHN WOOLMAN. 

down into a calm resignation, so I felt as in an instant, an 
inward healing in my nature ; and from that time forward 
I grew better. 

Though I was thus settled in mind in relation to hurt- 
ful dyes, I felt easy to wear my garments heretofore 
made; and so continued about nine months. Then I 
thought of getting a hat the natural colour of the fur ; but 
the apprehension of being looked upon as one affecting 
singularity, felt uneasy to me. Here I had occasion to 
consider, that things though small in themselves, being 
clearly enjoined by Divine authority, became great things 
to us; and I trusted that the Lord would support me in 
the trials that might attend singularity, while that singu- 
larity was only for his sake. On this account I was under 
close exercise of mind in the time of our General Spring 
Meeting in 1762, greatly desiring to be rightly directed ; 
and being deeply bowed in spirit before the Lord, I was 
made willing to submit to what I apprehended was re- 
quired of me; and when I returned home, got a hat of 
the natural colour of the fur. 

In attending meetings this singularity v/as a trial upon 
me, and more especially at this time, white hats being 
used by some who were fond of following the change- 
able modes of dress ; and as some Friends who knew not 
on what motives I wore it, carried shy of me, I felt m»y 
way for a time shut up in the exercise of the ministry. — 
In this condition, my mind being turned toward my 
heavenly Father, with fervent cries that I might be pre- 
served to walk before him in the meekness of wisdom, 
my heart was often tender in meetings ; and I felt inward 
consolation, which to me was very precious under those 
difficulties. 

I had several dyed garments fit for use, which I be- 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 13 ^ 

lieved it best to wear till I had occasion for new ones. — 
Some Friends were apprehensive that my wearing such 
a hat savoured of an affected singularity; and such who 
spoke with me in a friendly way, I generally informed 
in a few words, that I believed my wearing it was not 
in my own will. I had at times been sensible that a 
superficial friendship had been dangerous to me; and 
many Friends being now uneasy with me, I had an in- 
clination to acquaint some with the manner of my being 
led into these things ; yet upon a deeper thought I was 
for a time most easy to omit it, believing the present 
dispensation was profitable ; and trusting that if I kept 
my place, the Lord in his own time would open the 
hearts of Friends towards me : since which I have had 
cause to admire his goodness and loving-kirdness, in 
leading about and instructing, and opening and enlarging 
my heart in some of our meetings. 

In the eleventh month of the year 1762, feeling an 
engagement of mind to visit some families in Mansfield, 
I joined my beloved friend Benjamin Jones, and we 
spent a few days together in that service. In the second 
month, 1763, I joined in company with Elizabeth Smith 
and Mary Noble, on a visit to the families of Friends at 
Ancocas ; in both which visits, through the baptizing 
power of Truth, the sincere labourers were often com- 
forted, and the hearts of Friends opened to receive us. 
In the fourth month following, I accompanied some 
Friends in a visit to the families of Friends in Mount 
Holly ; in which my mind was often drawn into an in- 
ward awfulness, wherein strong desires were raised for 
the everlasting welfare of my fellow-creatures ; and 
through the kindness of our heavenly Father, our hearts 
were at times enlarged, and Friends invited in the flow- 



132 LIFE Ot JOHN WOOLMAN. 

mgs of Divine love to attend to that which would se'ttle 
them on the sure foundation. 

Having many years felt love in my heart toward the 
natives of this land, w^ho dwell far back in the wilder- 
ness, whose ancestors were the owners and possessors of 
the land where we dwell ; and who for a very small con- 
sideration, assigned their inheritance to us ; and being at 
Philadelphia in the eighth month, 1761, on a visit to 
some Friends who had slaves, I fell in company with 
some of those natives w^ho lived on the east branch of 
the river Susquehanna, at an Indian town called Weha- 
loosing, two hundred miles from Philadelphia. In con- 
versation w ith them by an interpreter, as also by observa- 
tions on their countenances and conduct, I believed some 
of them w^ere measurably acquainted with that Divine 
powder which subjects the rough aR.d froward will of the 
creature ; and at times I felt inward drawings toward a 
visit to that place of which I told none except my dear 
w^ife, until it came to some ripeness. In the winter of 
1762, I laid it before Friends at our Monthly and Quar- 
terly, and afterwards at our General Spring Meeting; 
and having the unity of Friends, and being thoughtful 
about an Indian pilof, there came a man and three w^o- 
men from a little beyond that town to Philadelphia on 
business. Being informed thereof by letter, I met them 
in town in the fifth month, 1763 ; and after some con- 
versation, finding they w^ere sober people, with the con- 
currence of Friends in that place, I agreed to join them 
as companions in their return. On 'the 7th day of the 
sixth month following, we appointed to meet at Samuel 
Foulk's, at Richland, in Bucks county. As this visit felt 
weighty, and was performed at a time when travelling 
•appeared perilous, so the dispensations of Divine Provi 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. ' 33 

(Jpnce in preparing my mind for it, have been memora- 
ble ; and I believe it good for me to give some hints 
thereof. 

After I had given up to go, the thoughts of the Jour- 
ney were often attended with unusual sadness ; in which 
times my heart was frequently turned to the Lord w^ith 
inward breathings for his heavenly support, that I might 
not fail to follow him wheresoever he might lead me. — 
Being at our Youths' meeting at Chesterfield, about a 
week before the time I expected to set off, I was there 
led to speak on that prayer of our Redeemer to his Fa- 
ther , ^'I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the 
world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil." 
In attending to the pure openings of Truth, I had to men- 
tion what he ekewhere said to his Father ; <-' I know that 
thou hearest me at all times :" so that as some of his fol- 
lowers kept their places, and as his prayer was granted, 
it followed necessarily that they were kept from evil. As 
some of those met with great hardships and afflictions in 
this world, and at last suffered death by cruel men ; it 
appears that whatsoever befalls men while they live in 
pure obedience to God, as it certainly works for their 
good, so it may not be considered an evil as it relates to 
them. As I spoke on this subject, my heart was much 
tendered, and great awfulness came over me ; and on the 
first-day of the next week at our own afternoon meeting, 
my heart being enlarged in love, I w^as led to speak on 
the care and protection of the Lord over his people, and 
to make mention of that passage where a band of Assy- 
rians endeavouring to take the prophet captive, were 
disappointed ; and how the psalmist said, '' the angel of 
the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him." 
I parted from Friends in true Jove and tenderness, ex- 

M 



134 LIFE OF JOHJN WOOLMAN. 

j)ectin^ the next morning to proceed oh 'ny journey ; 
and oeing weary, went early to bed : and after I had 
been asleep a short time, I was awaked by a man calling 
at my door ; and arising, was invited to meet some 
Friends at a public house in our town, who came from 
Philadelphia so late that Friends were generally gone to 
bed. These Friends informed me that an express arrived 
the last morning from Pittsburgh, and brought news that 
the Indians had taken a fort from the English westward, 
and slain and scalped English people in divers places, 
some near Pittsburgh ; and that some elderly Friends in 
Philadelphia knowing the time of my expecting to set off, 
had conferred together, and thought good to inform me 
of these things before I left home, that I might consider 
them and proceed as I believed best. I went to bed 
again, and told not my wife till morning. My heart was 
turned to the Lord for his heavenly instruction ; and it 
was an humbling time to me. When I told my dear 
wife, she appeared to be deeply concerned about it ; but 
in a few hours time, my mind became settled in a belief 
that it was my duty to proceed on my journey ; and she 
bore it with a good degree of resignation. In this con- 
flict of spirit, there were great searchings of heart and 
strong cries to the Lord, that no motion might be in the 
least degree attended to, but that of the pure Spirit of 
Truth. 

The subjects before mentioned, on which I had so 
lately spoken in public, were now very fresh before me ; 
and I was brought inwardly to commit myself to the 
Lord, to be disposed of as he saw best. I took leave of 
my family and neighbours in much bowedness of spirit, 
and went to our Monthly Meeting at Burlington ; and 
after taking leave of Friends there, I crossed the river 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 135 

accompanied by my friends Israel and John Pemberton ; 
and parting the next morning with Israel, John bore me 
company to Samuel Foulk's ; where I met the before- 
mentioned Indians, and we were glad to see each other. 
Here my friend Benjamin Parvin met me, and proposed 
joining as a companion, we having passed some letters 
before on the subject; and now on his account I had a 
sharp trial ; for as the journey appeared perilous, I 
thought if he went chiefly to bear me company, and we 
should be taken captive, my having been the means of 
drawing him into these difficulties, would add to my own 
afflictions. So I told him my mind freely, and let him 
know that I was resigned to go alone ; but after all, if he 
really believed it to be his duty to go on, I believed his 
company would be very comfortable to me. It was in- 
deed a time of deep exercise, and Benjamin appeared to 
be so fastened to the visit, that he could not be easy to 
leave me ; so we went on, accompanied by our friends 
John Pemberton and William Lightfoot, of Pikeland, 
and lodged at Bethlehem. Parting there with John, 
William and we went forward on the 9th day of the sixth 
month, and got lodging on the floor of a house about 
five miles from Fort Allen. Here we parted with Wil- 
liam. At this place we met with an Indian trader, lately 
come from Wyoming; and in conversation with him, I 
perceived that white people often sell rum to the Indians, 
which I believe is a great evil ; first, they being thereby 
deprived of the use of their reason, and their spirits 
violently agitated, quarrels often arise which end in mis- 
chief; and the bitterness and resentments occasioned 
hereby, are frequently of long continuance. Again, their 
skins and furs, gotten through much fatigue and hard 
travels in hunting, with which they intended to b jy cloth- 



136 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

ing, when they become intoxicated, they often sell at a 
low rate for more rum ; and afterward, when they suffer 
for want of the necessaries of life, are angry with those 
who for the sake of gain, took the advantage of their 
weakness. Of this their chiefs have often complained, 
at their treaties w4th the English. Where cunning peo- 
ple pass counterfeits, and impose that on others which is 
good for nothing, it is considered as a wickedness ; but 
to sell that to people which we know does them harm, 
and which often works their ruin, for the sake of gain, 
manifests a hardened and corrupt heart ; and is an evil 
which demands the care of all true lovers of virtue to 
suppress. While my mind this evening was thus em- 
ployed, I also remembered that the people on the frontiers, 
among whom this evil is too common, are often poor; 
who venture to the outside of a colony, that they may 
live more independently of such who are wealthy, who 
often set high rents on their land. I was renewedly 
confirmed in a belief, that if all our inhabitants lived ac- 
cording to sound wisdom, labouring to promote univer- 
sal love and righteousness, and ceased from every inor- 
dinate desire after wealth, and from all customs which 
are tinctured with luxury, the way would be easy for the 
inhabitants, though much more numerous than at present, 
to live comfortably on honest employments, without that 
temptation they are often under of being drawn into 
schemes to make settlements on lands w^hich have not 
been purchased of the Indians, or of applying to the 
practice of selling rum to them. 

On the 10th day of the month we set out early in the 
morning, and crossed the western branch of the Dela- 
ware, called the Great Lehigh, near Fort Allen ; the 
water being high, we went over in a canoe. Here wc 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 137 

met an Indian, and had some friendly conversation with 
him, and gave him some biscuit ; and he having killed a 
deer, gave the Indians with us some of it. After travel- 
ling some miles, we met several Indian men* and women 
with a cow and horse and some household goods, who 
were lately come from their dwelling at Wyoming, and 
going to settle at another place ; w^e made them some 
small presents ; and some of them understanding English, 
I told them my motive in coming into their country ; 
with which they appeared satisfied. . One of our guides 
talking a while with an ancient woman concerning us, 
the poor old woman came to my companion and me, and 
took her leave of us with an appearance of sincere affec- 
tion. So going on w^e pitched our tent near the banks 
of the same river, having laboured hard in crossing some 
of those mountains called the Blue Ridge ; and by the 
roughness of the stones and the cavities between them, 
and the steepness of the hills, it appeared dangerous : 
but w^e were preserved in safety, through the kindness 
of Him whose works in those mountainous deserts ap- 
peared awful ; toward whom my heart w^as turned during 
this day's travel. 

Near our tent, on the sides of large trees peeled for 
that purpose, w^ere various representations of men going 
to and returning from the wars, and of some killed in 
battle. This being a path heretofore used by warriors ; 
and as I w-alked about viewing those Indian histories, 
which were painted mostly in red but some in black, and 
thinking on the innumerable afflictions which the proud, 
fierce spirit produceth in the world ; thinking on the toils 
and fatigues of warriors, travelling over mountains and 
deserts ; thinking on their miseries and distresses when 
wounded far from home by their enemies ; and of their 

M 2 



1 38 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMA i. 

bruises and great weariness in chasing one another over 
the rocks and naountains ; and of their restless, unquiet 
state of mind, who live in this spirit; and of the hatred 
wliich mutually grows up in the minds of the children 
of those nations engaged in war wdth each other : during 
these meditations, the desire to cherish the spirit of love 
and peace amongst these people, arose very fresh in me. 
This was the first night that we lodged in the woods ; 
and being wet with travelling in the rain, the ground, 
our tent, and the bushes which w^e purposed to lay under 
our blankets also w^et, all looked discouraging ; but I 
believed that it was the Lord who had thus far brought 
me forward, and that he would dispose of me as he saw 
good, and therein I felt easy. We kindled a fire with 
our tent open to it ; and w ith some bushes next the 
ground, and then our blankets, we made our bed ; and 
lying down, got some sleep : and in the morning feeling 
a little unwell, I went into the river ; the water was cold, 
but soon after I felt fresh and well. 

The 11th day of the sixth month, the bushes being 
wet, we tarried in our tent till about eight o'clock ; when 
going on, crossed a high mountain supposed to be up- 
ward of four miles over ; the steepness on the north side 
exceeding all the others : w^e also crossed tw^o s .vamps ; 
and it raining near night, w^e pitched our tent and lodged. 

About noon, on our way we w^ere overtake., by one 
of the Moravian brethren going to Wehaloosing, and an 
Indian man with him who could talk English; and we 
being together while our horses eat grass, had some 
friendly conversation ; but they travelling faster than we, 
soon left us. This Moravian, I understood had spent 
some time this spring at Wehaloosing ; and was by some 
of the Indians, invited to come again. 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 139 

The 12th day of the sixth month and first of the week, 
11 being rainy, we continued in our tent; and here I was 
led to think on the nature of the exercise which hath at- 
tended me. Love was the first motion, and thence a 
concern arose to spend some time w^ith the Indians, that 
I might feel and understand their life and the spirit they 
live in, if haply I might receive some instruction from 
them, or they be in any degree helped forward by my 
following the leadings of Truth amongst them. As it 
pleased the Lord to make way for my going at a time 
when the troubles of war were increasing, and by reason 
of much wet weather, travelling was more difficult than 
usual, I looked upon it as a more favourable opportunity 
to season my mind, and bring me into a nearer sympathy 
with them : and as mine eye was to the great Father of 
mercies, humbly desiring to learn what his will was con- 
cerning me, I was made quiet and content. 

Our guide's horse, though hoppled, went away in the 
night ; and after finding our ow^n, and searching some time 
for him, his footsteps were discovered in the path going 
back again, whereupon my kind companion went oflT in 
the rain, and after about seven hours returned with him: 
we lodged here again ; tying up our horses before we 
went to bed, and loosing them to feed about break of 
day. 

On the 13th day of the sixth month, the sun appearing, 
we set forward ; and as I rode over the barren hills, my 
meditations were on the alteration in the circumstances 
of the natives of this land since the coming of the Eng- 
lish. The lands near the sea, are conveniently situated 
for fishing; the lands near the rivers where the tides 
flow, and some above, are in many places fertile, and 
not mountainous ; while the running of the tides, makes 



140 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

passing up and down easy with any kind of traffit^ 
Those natives have in some places, for trifling considera- 
tions, sold their inheritance so favourably situated ; and 
in other places been driven back by superior force. As 
their way of clothing themselves is now altered from 
what it wa.^, and they are far remote from us, they have 
to pass over mountains, swamps and barren deserts, 
where travelling is very troublesome, in bringing their 
skins and furs to trade with us. 

By the extending of English settlements, and partly 
by English hunters, the wild beasts they chiefly depend 
on for a subsistence, are not so plenty as they were ; and 
people too often for the sake of gain, open a door for 
the Indians to waste their skins and furs, in purchasing 
a liquor which tends to the ruin of them and their 
families. 

My own will and desires being now very much broken, 
my heart with much earnestness turned to the Lord, to 
whom alone I looked for help in the dangers before me. 
I had a prospect of the English along the coast, fqr up- 
wards of nine hundred miles, where I have travelled ; 
and their favourable situation and the difficulties attend- 
ing the natives in many places, and also the negroes, 
were open before me ; and a weighty and heavenly care 
came over my mind, and love filled my heart toward all 
mankind, in which I felt a strong engagement that we 
might be obedient to the Lord, while in tender mercies 
he is yet calling to us ; and so attend to pure universal 
righteousness, as to give no just cause of offence to the 
Gentiles who do not profess Christianity, whether the 
blacks fron> Africa or the native inhabitants of this con- 
tinent. I wai5 led into a close, laborious inquiry, whethei 
as an individu*^!, I kept clear from all things which tendeo 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 141 

to stir up, or were connected with wars, either in this 
.and or Africa ; and my heart was deeply concerned, 
Ihat in future I might in all things keep steadily to the 
pure Truth, and live and walk in the plainness and sim- 
plicity of a sincere follower of Christ. In this lonely 
journey this day, I greatly bewailed the spreading of a 
wrong spirit, believing that the prosperous, convenient 
situation of the English, requires a constant attention to 
Divine love and wisdom to guide and support us in a 
way answerable to the will of that good, gracious and 
Almighty Being, who hath an equal regard to all man- 
kind.. Here, luxury and covetousness, with the nume- 
rous oppressions and other evils attending them, appeared 
very afflicting to me ; and I felt in that which is immu- 
table, that the seeds of great calamity and desolation are 
sown and growing fast on this continent : nor have 1 
words sufficient to set forth the longing I then felt, that 
we who are placed along the coast, and have tasted the 
love and goodness of God, might arise in his strength; 
and like faithful messengers, labour to check the growth 
of these seeds, that they may not ripen to the ruin of our 
posterity. 

We reached the Indian settlement at Wyoming, and 
were told that an Indian runner had been at that place a 
day or two before us, and brought news of the Indians 
taking an English fort westward and destroying the peo- 
ple, and that they were endeavouring to take another ; 
and also that another Indian runner came there about the 
middle of the night before we got there, who came from 
a town about ten miles above Wehaloosing, and brought 
news that some Indian warriors from distant parts, came 
to that town with two English scalps ; and told the peo- 
ple that it was war with the English. 



142 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Our guides took us to the house of a very ancient 
man ; and soon after we had put in our baggage, there 
canae a man from another Indian house some distance off", 
and I perceiving there was a man near the door, went 
out ; and he having a tomahaw^k under his matchcoat out 
of sight, as I approached him he took it in his hand. I 
however went forward, and speaking to him in a friendly 
way p-erceived he understood some English : my com- 
panion then coming out, we had some talk with him 
concerning the nature of our visit in these parts ; and 
then he going into the house with us, and talking with 
our guides, soon appeared friendly, and sat down and 
smoked his pipe. Though his taking his hatchet in his 
hand at the instant I drew near to him, had a disagree- 
able appearance, I believe he had no other intent than 
to be in readiness in case any violence was offered to 
him. 

Hearing the news brought by these Indian runners, 
and being told by the Indians where we lodged, that the 
Indians living about Wyoming, expected in a few^ days 
to move to some larger towns, I thought that to all out- 
ward appearance, it was dangerous travelling at this time. 
After a hard day's journey, I was brought into a painful 
exercise at night, in which I had to trace back and view 
over the steps I had taken from my first moving in the 
visit; and though I had to bewail some weakness which 
at times had attended me, yet I could not find that I had 
ever given way to a wilful disobedience. As I believed 
I had under a sense of duty come thus far, I was now^ 
earnest in spirit beseeching the Lord to show me what 1 
ought to do. In this great distress I grew jealous of 
myself, lest the desire of reputation, as a man firmly 
settled to persevere through dangers "^r the fear of dii 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 143 

grace arising on my returning without performing the 
visit, might have some place in me. Thus I lay full ot 
thoughts during a great part of the night, while my 
beloved companion lay and slept by me; until the Lord, 
my gracious Father, who saw the conflicts of my soul, 
was pleased to give me quietness. I was again strength- 
ened to commit my life and all things relating thereto, 
into his heavenly hands ; and getting a little sleep toward 
day, when morning came we arose. 

On the 14th day of the sixth month, we sought out 
and visited all the Indians hereabouts that we could meet 
with; they being chiefly in one place, about a mile from 
where we lodged, in all perhaps twenty. I expressed 
the care I had on my mind for their good ; and told them 
that true love had made me willing to leave my family to 
come and see the Indians, and speak with them in their 
houses. Some of them appeared kind and friendly. We 
took our leave of these Indians, and went up the river 
Susquehanna about three miles, to the house of an Indian 
called Jacob January, who had killed his hog; and the 
women were making a store of bread, and preparing to 
move up the river. Here our pilots left their canoe when 
they came down in the spring, which lying dry, was 
leaky ; and being detained some hours, we had a good 
deal of friendly conversation with the family, and after 
eating dinner with them, made them some small presents. 
Then putting our baggage in the canoe, some of them 
pushed slowly up the stream, and the rest of us rode our 
horses ; and swimming them over a creek called Laha- 
wahamunk, we pitched our tent a little above it, there 
being a shower in the evening: and in a sense of God's 
goodness in helping me in my distress, sustaining me 
under trials and inclining my heart to trust in him, I lay 



144 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

down in an humble bowed frame of mind, and had a 
comfortable night's lodging. 

On the 15th day of the sixth month, we proceeded 
until the afternoon; when a storm appearing, we met our 
canoe at an appointed place, and staid there all night ; 
the rain continuing so heavy, that it beat through our 
tent and wet us and our baggage. 

On the 16th day, we found on our way an abundance 
of trees blown down with the storm yesterday ; and had 
occasion reverently to consider the kind dealings of the 
Lord, who provided a safe place for us in a valley, while 
this storm continued. By the falling of trees across our 
path we were much hindered, and in some swamps our 
way was so stopped, that w^e got through with extreme 
difficulty. 

I had this day often to consider myself as a sojourner 
in the w^orld ; and a belief in the all-sufficiency of God 
to support his people in their pilgrimage felt comfortable 
to me; and I was industriously employed to get to a 
state of perfect resignation. 

We seldom saw our canoe but at appointed places, by 
reason of the path going off from the river: and this 
afternoon. Job Chilaway, an Indian from Wehaloosing, 
who talks good English, and is acquainted with several 
people in and about Philadelphia, met our people on the 
river; and understanding where w^e expected to lodge, 
pushed back about six miles, and came to us after night ; 
and in a while our ow^n canoe came, it being hard work 
pushing up stream. Job told us that an Indian came in 
haste to their town yesterday, and told them that three 
warriors, coming from some distance, lodged in a town 
above Wehaloo-sing a few nights past; and that these 
three men were going against the English at Juniata. 



LIFK OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 145 

Job was going down the river to the provin e store at 
Shannokin. Though I was so far favoured with health 
as to continue travelling, yet through the various diffi- 
culties in our journey, and the different way of living 
from what I had been used to, I grew sick: and the 
news of these warriors being on their march so near us, 
and not knowing whether we might not fall in with them, 
was a fresh trial of my faith ; and though through the 
strength of Divine love, I had several times been enabled 
to commit myself to the Divine disposal, I still found the 
want of my strength being renewed, that I might perse- 
vere therein ; and my cries for help w^ere put up to the 
Lord, who in great mercy gave me a resigned heart, in 
which I found quietness. 

On the 17th day, parting from Job Chilaway, we went 
on and reached Wehaloosing about the middle of the 
afternoon ; and the first Indian we saw was a woman of 
a modest countenance, with a Bible, who first spoke to 
our guide ; and then with a harmonious voice expressed 
her gladness at seeing us, having before heard of our 
coming. By the direction of our guide we sat down on 
a log, and he went to the town to tell the people we 
were come. My companion and I sitting thus together, 
in a deep inward stillness, the poor woman came and sat 
near us ; and great awfulness coming over us, we rejoiced 
in a sense of God's love manifested to our poor souls. 
After a while we heard a conk-shell blow several times, 
and then came John Curtis and another Indian man, who 
kindly invited us into a house near the town, where we 
found, I suppose, about sixty people sitting in silence. 
After sitting a short time, I stood up and in some tender- 
ness of spirit acquainted them with the nature of my 
visit, and that a concern for their good had made me 

N 



146 LIFE OF JOHN VVOOLMAN. 

willing to come thus far to see them; -ill in a few i^hoit 
sentences, which some of them understanding, interpreted 
to the others, and there appeared gladness amongst them. 
Then I showed them my certificate, which was explained 
to them; and the Moravian who overtook us on the way, 
being now here, bade me welcome. 

On the l8th day we rested ourselves in the forenoon ; 
and the Indians knowing that the Moravian and I were 
of different religious societies, and that some of their 
people had encouraged him to come and stay awhile 
with them, were I believe concerned, that no jarring or 
discord might be in their meetings: and they I suppose, 
having conferred together, acquainted me that the people 
at my request, would at any time come together and hold 
meetings ; and also told me, that they expected the Mo- 
ravian would speak in their settled meetings, which are 
commonly held morning and near evening, I found a 
liberty in my heart to speak to the Moravian, and told 
him of the care I felt on my mind for the good of these 
people ; and that I believed no ill effects would follow, 
if I sometimes spoke in their meetings when love engaged 
me thereto, without calling them together at times when 
they did not meet of course: whereupon he expressed 
his good-will toward my speaking at any time, all that I 
found in my heart to say. Near evening I was at their 
meeting, where the pure Gospel love was felt, to the 
tendering some of our hearts ; and the interpreters en- 
deavouring to acquaint the people with what I said in 
short sentences, found some difficulty, as none of ihem 
were quite perfect in the English and Delaware tongues, 
so they helped one another, and we labouied along, 
Divine love attending. Afterwards, feeling my mind 
covered with the spirit of prayer, I told the interpreters 



LIFE OF JOHN VVOOLMAN. 147 

that I found it in my heart to pray to God, and believed 
if I prayed aright, he would hear me, and expressed my 
willingness for them to omit interpreting ; so our meeting 
ended wdth a degree of Divine love. Before the people 
went out, I observed Papunehang, a man who had been 
zealous in labouring for a reformation in that town, being 
then very tender, spoke to one of the interpreters ; and I 
was afterwards told that he said in substance ; '<• I love 
to feel where words come from." 

On the 19th day and first of the week, this morning 
in the meeting the Indian who came with the Moravian, 
being also a member of that society, prayed; and then 
the Moravian spoke a short time to the people. In the 
afternoon they coming together, and my heart being filled 
with a heavenly care for their good, I spoke to them 
awhile by interpreters ; but none of them being perfect 
in the work, and I feeling the current of love run strong, 
told the interpreters that I believed some of the people 
would understand me, and so I proceeded. In w^hich 
exercise, I believe the Holy Ghost WTought on some 
hearts to edification, where all the words were not under- 
stood. I looked upon it as a time of Divine favour, and 
my heart w^as tendered and truly thankful before the Lord ; 
and after I sat down, one of the interpreters seemed spi- 
rited to cfive the Indians the substance of what I had said. 

Before our first meeting this morning, I was led to me- 
ditate on the manifold difficulties of these Indians ; who, 
by the permission of the Six Nations, dwell in these 
parts; and a near sympathy with them was raised in me ; 
and my heart being enlarged in the love of Christ, I 
thought that the affectionate care of a good man for his 
only brother in affliction, did not exceed what I then felt 
for that people. 



148 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

I came to this place through much trouble ; and though 
through the mercies of God, 1 believed that if I died in 
the journey, it would be well with me ; yet the thoughts 
of falling into the hands of Indian warriors, were in times 
of weakness afflicting to me ; and being of a tender con- 
stitution, the thoughts of captivity amongst them, were 
at times grievous; supposing that they being strong and 
hardy, might demand service of me beyond what I could 
well bear; but the Lord alone was my keeper; and I 
believed if I w^ent into captivity, it would be for some 
good end ; and thus from time to time, my mind was 
centered in resignation, in which I always found quiet- 
ness. And now, this day, though I had the same dan- 
gerous wilderness between me and home, I was inwardly 
joyful that the Lord had strengthened me to come on 
this visit, and manifested a fatherly care over me in my 
poor low^ly condition, when in mine own eyes I appeared 
inferior to many amongst the Indians. 

When the last-mentioned meeting was ended, it being 
night, Papunehang w^ent to bed ; and one of the inter- 
preters sitting by me, I observed Papunehang spoke with 
an harmonious voice, I suppose, a minute or two: and 
asking the interpreter, was tol 1 that '' he was expressing 
his thankfulness to God for the favours he had received 
that day ; and prayed that he would continue to favour 
him wdth the same which he had experienced in that 
meeting." That though Papunehang had before agreed 
to receive the Moravians, and join with them, he still 
appeared kind and loving to us. 

On the 20th day I was at two meetings, and silent in 
them. 

The 21st day. This morning in meeting my heart was 
enlarged in pure love amongst them, and in short plain 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 149 

sentences expressed several things that rested upon me; 
which one of the interpreters gave the people pretty read- 
ily ; after which the meeting ended in supplication, and 
I had cause humbly to acknowledge the loving-kindness 
of the Lord toward us ; and believed that a door remained 
open for the faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, to labour 
amongst these people. 

Feeling my mmd at liberty to return, I took my leave 
of them in general, at the conclusion of what I said in 
meeting ; and so we prepared to go homeward : but some 
of their most active men told us, that when we w^ere ready 
to move, the people would choose to come and shake 
hands with us ; which those who usually come to meet- 
ing did ; and from a secret draught in my mind, 1 went 
amongst some who did not use to go to meeting, and 
took my leave of them also : the Moravian and his Indian 
interpreter, appeared respectful to us at parting. This 
town stands on the bank of Susquehanna, and consists, I 
believe, of about forty houses, mostly compact together; 
some about thirty feet long, and eighteen wide ; some 
larger, some less ; mostly built of split plank, one end set 
in the ground, and the other pinned to a plate, on which 
lay rafters covered w^ith bark. I understand a great flood 
'ast winter overflowed the chief part of the ground where 
the town stands, and some were now about moving their 
houses to higher ground. 

We expected only two Indians to be our company ; 
but when we w^ere ready to go, we found many of them 
were going to Bethlehem w^ith skins and furs, who chose 
to go in company with us ; so they loaded two canoes, 
which they desired us to go in, telling us, tne waters were 
so raised wdth the rains, that the horses should be taken 
by persons who were better acquainted with the fording 

n2 



150 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

places : so we ^ith several Indians went in the canoes, 
and others went on horses, there being seven besides 
ours. We met with the horsemen once on the way by 
appointment, a little below a stream called Tunkhannock : 
we lodged there, and some of the young men going out a 
little before dusk with their guns, brought in a deer. 

On the 22d day, through diligence we reached Wyo- 
ming before night, and understood the Indians were 
mostly gone from this place: here we went up a small 
creek into the woods with our canoes, and pitching our 
tent, carried out our baggage; and before dark our 
horses came to us. 

On the 23d day in the morning, the horses were loaded, 
and we prepared our baggage and set forward, being in 
all fourteen; and with diligent travelling v/ere favoured 
to get nearly half way to Fort i\.llen. The land on this 
road from Wyoming to our frontier being mostly poor, 
and good grass scarce, they chose a piece of low ground 
to lodge on, as the best for grassing; and I having sweat 
much in travelling, and being weary, slept sound. I per- 
ceived in the night that I had taken cold, of which I was 
favoured to get better soon. 

On the 24th day we passed Fort Allen, and lodged 
near it in the woods. 

We forded the westerly branch of the Delaware three 
times, and thereby had a shorter way, and missed going 
over the top of the Blue mountains, called the Second 
Ridge. In the second time fording, where the river cuts 
through the mountain, the waters being rapid and pretty 
deep, and my companion's mare being a tall tractable 
animal, he sundry times drove her through the river, and 
they loaded her with the burthens of some small horses, 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 151 

which they thought not sufficient to come through with 
their loaas. 

The troubles westward, and the difficulty for Indians 
to pass through our frontier, I apprehend was one reason 
why so many came ; expecting that our being in com- 
pany, would prevent the frontier inhabitants from oeing 
surprised. 

On the 25th day we reached Bethlehem, taking care 
on the way to keep foremost, and to acquaint people on 
and near the road who these Indians were : this we found 
very needful ; for the frontier inhabitants were often 
alarmed at the report of English being killed by Indians 
westward. 

Amongst our company were some who I did not re- 
member to have seen at meeting, and some of these at 
first were very reserved ; but w^e being several days to- 
gether, and behaving friendly toward them, and making 
them suitable returns for the services they did us, they 
became more free and sociable. 

On the 26th day and first of the week, having carefully 
endeavoured to settle all' affairs with the Indians relative 
to our journey, we took leave of them, and I thought 
they generally parted with us affectionately. We got to 
Richland, and had a very comfortable meeting amongst 
our friends : here I parted with my kind friend and com- 
panion Benjamin Parvin; and accompanied by my friend 
Samuel Foulk, we rode to John Cadwallader's, from 
whence I reached home the next day, where I found my 
family middling well ; and they and my friends all along 
appeared glad to see me return from a journey which they 
apprehended dangerous. My mind while I was out, had 
been so employed in striving for a perfect resignation, 
and I had so often been confirmed in a belief, that what* 



152 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

ever the Lord might be pleased to allot for me, would 
work for good, that I was careful lest I should admit 
any degree of selfishness in being glad overmuch, and 
laboured to improve by those trials in such a manner as my 
gracious Father and protector intends for me. Between 
the English settlements and Wehaloosing, we had only a 
narrow path, which in many places is much grown up 
wath bushes, and interrupted by abundance of trees lying 
across it; these, together with the mountains, swamps 
and rough stones, make it a difficult road to travel ; and 
the more so, for that rattlesnakes abound there, of which 
we killed four. People who have never been in such 
places, have but an imperfect idea of them ; but I was 
not only taught patience, but also made thankful to God, 
who thus led me about and instructed me, that I might 
have a quick and lively feehng of the afflictions of my 
fellow-creatures, whose situation in life is diflScult. 



CHAPTER IX. 

His religious conversation with a company met to see the tricka 
of a juggler — John Smith's advice ] proceedings of a commit- 
tee at the Yearly Meeting in 1764 — Contemplations on the 
nature of true wisdom, occasioned by hearing of the cruelty 
of the Indians to their captives — Visits the families of Friend*^ 
at Mount Holly, Mansfield and Burlington, in 1.764, and the 
meetings on the sea coast from Cape May toward Squan in 
1765 — visit to the lower counties on Delaware and the East- 
ern Shore of Maryland in 1766, in company with John Sleeper 
some account of Joseph Nichols and his followers; and ob- 
servations on the different state of the first settlers in Penn- 
sylvania who depended on their own labour and those of the 
Sout] .em province? who kep^ negroes- -visit to the northern 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 152 

parts of New Jersey the same year, and the western parts 
of Maryland and Pennsylvania in 1767, and after'vard? 
other parts of Pennsylvania and the families of Friends at 
Mount Holly ; and again several parts of Maryland in 1768 — 
further considerations on keeping slaves 3 his concern for 
having formerly, as an executor, been party to the sale of 
one; and what he did in consequence of it — thoughts on 
Friends exercising offices in civil government. 

The latter part of the summer 1763, there came a 
man to Mount Holly, who had before published by a 
printed advertisement, that at a certain public house he 
would show many wonderful operations, which he therein 
enumerated. 

This man at the time appointed, did, by slight of hand, 
sundry things, which to those gathere'd, appeared strange. 

I heard of it next day, and understanding that the 
show was to be continued, and the people to meet about 
sun-set, I felt an exercise on that account : so I went to 
the public house in the evening, and told the man of the 
house that I had an inclination to spend a part of the 
evening there; with which he signified that he was con- 
tent. Then sitting down by the door, I spoke to the 
people as they came together, concerning this show ; and 
more coming and sitting down with us, the seats at the 
door were mostly filled ; and I had conversation with 
them in the fear of the Lord, and laboured to convince 
them that thus assembling to see those tricks or slights 
of hand, and bestowing their money to support men who 
in that capacity were of no use in. the world, was con 
trary to the nature of the Christian religion. 

There was one of the company who, for a time, en- 
deavoured by arguments to show the reasonableness of 
their proceedings; but after considering some texts of 



154 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Scripture and calmly debating the matter, he gave up the 
point. Having spent about an hour amongst them, and 
feeling ray mind easy, I departed. 

At our Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, on the 25th 
day of the ninth month, 1764, John Smith of Marlbo- 
rough, aged upwards of eighty years, a faithful minister, 
though not eloquent, stood up in our meeting of minis- 
ters and elders, and appearing to be under a great exer- 
cise of spirit, informed Friends in substance as follows, 
to wit: ''That he had been a member of the Society 
upw^ard of sixty years, and well remembered that in those 
early times Friends were a plain lowly-minded people ; 
and that there w^as much tenderness and contrition in 
their meetings. — That at twenty years from that time, the 
Society increasing in wealth, and in some degree con- 
forming to the fashions of the world, true humility was 
less apparent, and their meetings in general not so lively 
and edifying — that at the end of forty years, many of 
them were grown very rich ; that w^earing fine costly gar- 
ments, and using silver and other w^atches, became cus- 
tomary with them, their sons and their daughters, and 
many of the Society made a spacious appearance in the 
world ; which marks of outward wealth and greatness, 
appeared on some in our meetings of ministers and elders ; 
and as these things became more prevalent, so the pow- 
erful overshadowings of the Holy Ghost were less mani- 
fest in the Society — that there had been a continued 
increase of these ways of life even until now ; and that 
the weakness which hath overspread the Society, and the 
barrenness manifest amongst us, is matter of much 
sorrow." He then mentioned the uncertainty of his 
attendin^5 these meetings in future, expecting his dissolu- 
tion was now near; and having tenderly expressed his 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 155 

concern for us, signified that he had seen in the true 
light that the Lord would bring back his people from 
these things into which they were thus degenerated, but 
that his faithful servants must first go through great and 
heavy exercises. 

On the 29th day, the committee appointed by the 
Yearly Meeting to visit the Quarterly and Monthly Meet- 
ings, gave an account in writing of their proceedings in 
that service ; in w^hich they signified, that in the course 
of it, they had been apprehensive that some persons 
holding offices in government, inconsistent w^ith our 
principles ; and others w^ho kept slaves, remaining active 
members in our meetings^ of discipline, had been one 
means of weakness more and more prevailing in the 
management thereof in some places. After this report 
was read, an exercise revived on my mind, which at 
times had attended me for several years, and inward 
cries to the Lord were raised in me, that the fear of man 
might not prevent me from doing w^hat he required of 
me ; and standing up, I spoke in substance as follows: 
'' I have felt a tenderness in my mind toward persons, in 
two circumstances mentioned in that report ; that is, to- 
ward such active members w^ho keep slaves, and such 
who hold offices in civil government; and have desired, 
that Friends in all their conduct may be kindly affectioned 
one toward another. Many Friends who keep slaves, 
are under some exercise on that account ; and at times, 
think about trying them with freedom ; but find many 
things in their way. The way of living, and annual ex- 
penses of some of them are such, that it seems impracti- 
cable for them to set their slaves free, without changing 
their own way of life. It has been my lot to be often 
aoroad ; and I have observed in some places, at Quar- 



156 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

terly and Yearly Meetings, and at some houses wher€ 
travelling Friends and their horses are oi'ten entertained, 
that the yearly expense of individuals therein is very con- 
siderable. Friends in some places crowding much on 
persons in these circumstances for entertainment, hath 
rested as a burthen on my mind for some years past, and 
I now express it in the fear of the Lord, greatly desiring 
that Friends now present may duly consider it." 

In the fall of this year having hired a man to work, I 
perceived in conversation that he had been a soldier in 
the late w^ar on this continent ; and in the evening giving 
a narrative of his captivity amongst the Indians, he in- 
formed me that he saw two of his fellow captives tortured 
to death in a very cruel manner. 

This relation affected me with sadness, under which I 
went to bed ; and the next morning, soon after I awoke, 
a fresh and living sense of Divine love spread over my 
mind ; in which I had a renewed prospect of the nature 
of that wisdom from above, which leads to a right use 
of all gifts, both spiritual and temporal, and gives con- 
tentment therein : under a feeling thereof, I wrote as 
follows. 

'' Hath He, who gave me a being attended with many 
wants unknown to brute creatures, given me a capacity 
superior to theirs, and showm me, that a moderate appli- 
cation to business is proper to my present condition ; and 
that this, attended with his blessing, may supply all out- 
w^ard wants, while they remain within the bounds he hath 
fixed ; and no imaginary wants proceeding from an evil 
spirit, have any place in me ? Attend then, my soul! 
to this pure wisdom, as thy sure conductor through the 
manifold dangers in this w^orld ! 

<' Doth pride lead to vanity? Doth vanity form imag- 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 157 

inary wants ? Do these wants prompt men to exert 
their power in requiring that of others, from which they 
would rather be excused, were the same required of them "* 

''Do these proceedings beget hard thoughts? Do 
hard thoughts, when ripe, become malice ! Does malice, 
when ripe, become revengeful ; and in the end inflict terri- 
ble pains on their fellow-creatures, and spread desolations 
in the world ? 

'' Do mankind, walking in uprightness, delight in each 
other's happiness ? And do these creatures, capable of 
this attainment, by giving way to an evil spirit, employ 
their wit and strength to afflict and destroy one another? 

'' Remember then, O my soul ! the quietude of those 
in whom Christ governs, and in all thy proceedings feel 
after it ! 

'' Doth he condescend to bless thee with his presence? 
To move and influence to action ? To dwell in thee and 
walk in thee ? Remember then thy station, as a being 
sacred to God ; accept of the strength freely offered thee ; 
and take heed that no weakness., in conforming to ex- 
pensive, unwise and hard-hearted customs, gendering to 
discord and strife, be given way to. Doth he claim my 
body as his temple ? And graciously grant that I may 
be sacred to him. Oh! that I may prize this favour ; and 
that my whole life may be conformable to this character! 

'' Remember, my soul ! that the prince of peace is 
thy Lord : that he communicates his unmixed w^isdom to 
his family; that they living in perfect simplicity, may 
give no just cause of offence to any creature, but may 
walk as he walked!" 

Having felt an openness in my heart toward visiting 
families in our ow^n meeting, and especially in the town 
of Mount Holly, the p'ace of my abode, I mentioned it 

O 



158 LIFE OF JOHN ATOOLMAN. 

in our Monthly Meeting the fore part of the winter 1764 ; 
which being agreed to, and several Friends of our meet* 
ing united in the exercise, we proceeded therein ; and 
through Divine favour were helped in the work, so that 
it appeared to me as a fresh reviving of godly care 
amongst Friends. In the latter part of the same w inter, 
I joined my friend William Jones, in a visit to Friends' 
families in Mansfield ; in which labour I had cause to 
admire the goodness of the Lord toward us. 

Having felt my mind drawn to visit Friends along 
the sea coast from Cape May to near Squan ; and also 
to visit some people in those parts, amongst whom there 
is no settled worship ; I joined wdth my beloved friend 
Benjamin Jones, in a visit there, having Friends' unity 
therein. We set ofl^ the 24th day of the tenth month, 
1765, and had a prosperous and very satisfactory journey ; 
feeling at times, through the goodness of the heavenly 
Shepherd, the Gospel to flow freely toward a poor people 
scattered in those places. Soon after our return, I joined 
my friends John Sleeper and Elizabeth Smith, in visiting 
Friends' families at Burlington, there being at this time 
about fifty families of our Society in that city ; and we 
had cause humbly to adore our heavenly Father, who 
baptized us into a feeling of the state of the people, and 
strengthened us to labour in true Gospel love amongst 
them. 

An exercise having at times for several years attended 
me, in regard to paying a religious visit to Friends on 
the Eastern Shore of Maryland ; such w^as the nature of 
it, that I believed the Lord moved me to travel on foot 
amongst them, that by so doing I might have a more 
lively feeling of the condition of the oppressed slaves, 
set an example of lowliness before the eyes of their 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 159 

masters, and be more out of the way of temptation to 
unprofitable converse. 

The time drawing near in which I believed it my duty 
to lay my concern before oar Monthly Meeting, I per- 
ceived in conversation with my beloved friend John 
Sleeper, that he was under a concern to travel the same 
way, and also to go on foot in the form of a servant 
amongst them, as he expressed it. This he told me be- 
fore he knew aught of my exercise. 

We being thus drawn the same way, laid our exercise 
and the nature of it before Friends ; and obtaining cer- 
tificates, we set off the 6th day of the fifth month, 1766 ; 
and were at meetings with Friends at Wilmington, Duck 
creek. Little creek and Motherkill ; my heart being at 
times tendered under the Divine influence, and enlarged 
in love toward the people amongst whom we travelled. 

From Motherkill, we crossed the country about thirty- 
five miles to Friends at Tuckahoe in Maryland, and had 
a meeting there and at Marshy creek. 

At these our three last meetings, were a considerable 
number of people, 'followers of one Joseph Nichols, a 
preacher ; who, I understand, is not in outward fellow- 
ship with any religious society of people, but professes 
nearly the same principles as our Society doth, and often 
travels up and down appointing meetings, to w^iich many 
people come. I heard Friends speaking of some of 
then- neighbours, who had been irreligious people, that 
were now his followers, and were become sober w^ell- 
behaved men and women. 

Some irregularities I hear have been amongst the peo- 
ple at several of his meetings ; but from the whole of 
what I have perceived, I believe the man and some of 
his followers, are honestly disposed, but that skilful 



160 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

fathers are wanting among them : from hence we went to 
Choptank and Third Haven ; and thence to Queen Ann's. 
The weather for some days past having been hot and 
dry, and in order to attend meetings pursuant to appoint- 
ment, we having travelled pretty steadily, and had hard 
labour in meetings, I grew weakly ; at which I was for a 
time discouraged. But looking over our journey, and 
thinking how the Lord had supported our minds and 
bodies, so that we got forward much faster than I ex- 
pected before we came out, I saw that I had been in 
danger of too strongly desiring to get soon through the 
journey, and that this bodily weakness was a kindness 
to me ; and then in contrition of spirit, I became very 
thankful to my gracious Father, for this manifestation of 
his love ; and in humble submission to his will, my trust 
was renewed in him. 

On this part of our journey I had many thoughts on 
the different circumstances of Friends who inhabit Penn- 
sylvania and Jersey, from those who dwell in Maryland, 
Virginia and Carolina. Pennsylvania and New Jersey 
were settled by Friends who were convinced of our prin- 
ciples in England in times of suffering, and coming over 
bought lands of-the natives, and applied themselves to 
husbandry in a peaceable way ; and many of their children 
were taught to labour for their living. 

Few Friends, I believe, came from England to settle 
in any of these Southern provinces ; but by the faithful 
labours of travelling friends in early times, there were 
considerable convincements amongst the inhabitants of 
these parts. Here I remembered my reading of the 
warlike disposition of many of the first settlers in these 
provinces, and of their numerous engagements with the 
natives, in which much blood was shed, even in the 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 161 

infancy of these colonies. The people inhabiting these 
places, being grounded in customs contrary to the pure 
Truth, when some of them were affected with the power- 
ful preaching of the Word of Life, and joined in fel- 
lowship with our Society, they had a great work to go 
through. It is observable in the History of the Refor- 
mation from Popery, that it had a gradual progress from 
age to age. The uprightness of the first reformers, in 
attending to the light and understanding given them, 
opened the way for sincere-hearted people to proceed 
further afterward ; and thus each one truly fearing God, 
and labouring in those works of righteousness appointed 
for them in their day, findeth acceptance with him. 
Through the darkness of die times and the corruption of 
manners and customs, some upright men may have had 
little more for their day's work than to attend to the 
righteous principle in their minds, as it related to their 
own conduct in life, without pointing out to others the 
whole extent of that, which the same principle would 
lead succeeding ages into. Thus for instance; amongst 
an imperious warlike people, supported by oppressed 
slaves, some of these masters I suppose, are awakened 
to feel and see their error; and through sincere repent- 
ance, cease from oppression and become like fathers to 
their servants ; showing by their example, a pattern of 
humility in living and moderation in governing, for the 
instruction and admonition of their oppressing neigh- 
bours ; those without carrying the reformation further, I 
believe have found acceptance with the Lord. Such was 
the beginning ; and those who succeeded them, and have 
faithfully attended to the nature and spirit of the refor- 
mation, have seen the necessity of proceeding further ; 
and not onlj to instiuct others by their example of 

o2 



162 LIFE OF JOHN WODLMAN. 

governing well, but also to use means tv) pr^ivent then 
successors from having so much power to oppress others. 

Here I was renewedly confirmed in ray mind, that the 
Lord, whose tender mercies are over all his works, and 
whose ear is open to the cries and groans of the oppress- 
ed, is graciously moving on the hearts of people, to 
diaw them off from the desire of wealth, and bring them 
.nto such an humble, lowly way of living, that they may 
see their way clearly, to repair to the standard of true 
righteousness ; and not only break the yoke of oppression, 
but know him to be their strength and support in a time 
of outward affliction. 

Passing on we crossed Chester river, and had a meet- 
ing there, and at Cecil and Sassafras. Through my 
bodily weakness, joined with a heavy exercise of mind, 
it was to me an humbling dispensation, and I had a very 
lively feeling of the state of the oppressed ; yet I often 
thought that what I suffered was little, compared with 
the sufferings of the blessed Jesus, and many of his 
faithful followers ; and may say with thankfulness, I was 
made content. 

From Sassafras we went pretty directly home, where 
we found our families well ; and for several weeks after 
our return, I had often to look over our journey: and 
though to me it appeared as a small service, and that 
some faithful messengers will yet have more bitter cups 
to drink for Christ's sake in those Southern provinces, 
than we had ; yet I found peace in that I had been helped 
to walk in sincerity, according to the understanding and 
sfrength given me. 

On the 13th day of the eleventh month, 1766, with 
th(^ unity of Friends at our Monthly Meeting, in company 
with my beloved friend Benjamin Jones, I set out on a 



I.TFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 163 

Visit to Friends in the upper part of this province, having 
for a considerable time had drawings of love in my heart 
that way: we travelled as far as Hardwick; and I had 
inward peace in my labours of love amongst them. 

Through the humbling dispensations of Divine Provi- 
dence, my mind hath been brought into a further feeling 
of the ditficulties of Friends and their servants south- 
westward : and being often engaged in spirit on their 
account, I believed it my duty to walk into some parts 
of the Western shore of Maryland, on a religious visit. 
Having obtained a certificate from Friends of our Monthly 
Meeting, I took my leave of my family under the heart- 
tendering operation of Truth ; and on the 20th day of 
the fourth month, 1767, I rode to the ferry opposite to 
Philadelphia, and from thence walked to William Home's, 
at Darby, that evening; and next day pursued my jour- 
ney alone, and reached Concord week-day meeting. 

Discouragements and a weight of distress, had at times 
attended me in this lonesome walk ; through which afflic- 
tions I was mercifully preserved : and now sitting down 
with Friends, my mind was turned toward the Lord, to 
wait for his holy leadings; who, in infinite love, was 
pleased to soften my heart into humble contrition, and 
renewedly strengthen me to go forward ; that to me it 
was a time of heavenly refreshment in a silent meeting. 

The next day I came to New Garden week-day meeting, 
in which I sat with bowedness of spirit ; and being bapti- 
zed into a feeling of the state of some present, the Lord 
gave us a heart-tendering season; to his name be the praise. 

I passed on, and was at Nottingham Monthly Meeting ; 
and at a meeting at Little Britain on first-day : and in 
the afternoon several Friends came to the house where I 
lodged, and we had a little afternoon meeting; ana 



164 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

through the humbling power of Truth, I had to admire 
the loving- kindness of the Lord manifested to us. 

On the 26th day I crossed the Susquehanna; and 
coming amongst people living in outward ease and great- 
ness, chiefly on the labour of slaves, my heart was much 
affected ; and in awful retiredness, my mind was gathered 
inward to the Lord, being humbly engaged that in true 
resignation I might receive instruction from him, respect- 
ing my duty amongst this people. 

Though travelling- on foot was wearisome to my body ; 
yet it was agreeable to the state of my mind. 

I went gently on, being weakly; and was covered 
with sorrow and heaviness, on account of the spreading 
prevailing spirit of this world, introducing customs griev- 
ous and oppressive on one hand, and cherishing pride 
and wantonness on the other. In this lonely walk and 
state of abasement and humiliation, the state of the 
church in these parts was opened before me ; and I may 
truly say with the prophet, ''I was bowed down at the 
hearing of it ; I was dismayed at the seeing of it." 
Under this exercise, I attended the Quarterly Meeting at 
Gunpowder ; and in bowedness of spirit, I had to open 
with much plainness, what I felt respecting Friends living 
in fulness, on the labours of the poor oppressed negroes ; 
and that promise of the Most High was now revived ; 
^^Iw^ill gather all nations and tongues; and they shall 
come and see my glory." Here the sufferings of Christ 
and his tasting death for every man, and the travels, suf- 
fenngs and martyrdom of the apostles and primitive 
Christians, in labouring for the conversion of the Gen- 
tiles, was livingly revived in me ; and according to the 
measure of strength afforded, I laboured in some tender- 
Qess of spirit, being deeply aflfected amongst them. The 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 165 

difference between the present treatment which these 
Gentiles, the negroes, receive at our hands, and the 
labours of the primitive Christians for the conversion of 
the Gentiles, was pressed home, and the power of Truth 
came over us ; under a feeling of which, my mind was 
united to a tender-hearted people in those parts ; and the 
meeting concluded in a sense of God's goodness toward 
his humble dependent children. 

The next day was a general meeting for worship, much 
crowded : in which I was deeply engaged in inward 
cries 'to the Lord for help, that I might stand wholly 
resigned, and move only as he might be pleased to lead 
me: and I was mercifully helped to labour honestly and 
fervently amongst them, in which I found inward peace ; 
and the sincere were comforted. 

From hence I turned toward Pipe creek, and passed 
on to the Red Lands ; and had several meetings amongst 
Friends in those parts. My heart was often tenderly 
affected, under a sense of the Lord's goodness, in sanc- 
tifying my troubles and exercises, turning them to my 
comfort, and I believe, to the benefit of many others ; 
for I may say with thankfulness, that this visit appeared 
like a fresh tendering visitation in most places. 

I passed on to the western Quarterly Meeting in Penn- 
sylvania; during the several days of this meeting, I wae 
mercifully preserved in an inward feeling after the mind 
of Truth, and my public labours tended to my humilia- 
tion, with which I was content. After the Quarterly 
Meeting of worship ended, I felt drawings to go to the 
women's meeting of business, which was very full ; and 
nere the humility of Jesus Christ, as a pattern for us to 
walk by, was livingly opened before me ; and in treating 
on it my heart was enlarged, and it was a baptizing time 



166 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

From hence I went on, and was at meetings at Concord. 
Middletown, Providence and Haddonfield, and so home ; 
where I found my family well. A sense of the Lord's 
merciful preservation in this my journey, excites reverent 
thankfulness to him. 

On the 2d day of the ninth month, 1767, with the 
unity of Friends, I set off on a visit to Friends in the 
upper part of Berks and Philadelphia counties ; was at 
eleven meetings in about two weeks ; and have renewed 
cause to bow in reverence before the Lord, who, by the 
powerful extendings of his humbling goodness, opened 
my way amongst Friends, and made the meetings, I 
trust, profitable to us. The following winter I joined in 
a visit to Friends' families in some part of our meeting; 
in which exercise, the pure influence of Divine love 
made our visits reviving. 

On the 5th day of the fifth month, 1768, I left home 
under the humbling hand of the Lord, having obtained 
a certificate, in order to visit some meetings in Mary- 
land ; and to proceed without a horse looked clearest to 
me. I was at the Quarterly Meetings at Philadelphia 
and Concord ; and then went on to Chester river ; and 
crossing the bay with Friends, was at the Yearly Meeting 
at West river: thence back to Chester river; and tak- 
ing a few meetings in my way, proceeded home. It was 
a journey of much inward waiting; and as my eye was 
to the Lord, way was several times opened to my hum- 
bling admiration, when things appeared very difficult. 

In my return I felt a relief of mind very comfortable 
to me ; having through Divine help, laboured in much 
plainness, both with Friends selected, and in the more 
public meetings ; so that I trust the pure witness in many 
minds was reached. 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 167 

The 11th day of the sixth month, 1769. Sundry cases 
have happened of late years, within the hinits of our 
Monthly Meeting, respecting the exercise of pure right- 
eousness toward the negroes ; in which I have lived 
under a labour of heart that equity might be steadily kept 
to. On this account I have had some close exercises 
amongst Friends ; in which I may thankfully say, I find 
peace : and as my meditations have been on universal 
love, my own conduct in time past, became of late very 
grievous to me. 

As persons setting negroes free in our province, are 
bound by law to maintain them, in case they have need 
of relief, some who scrupled keeping slaves for term of 
life, in the time of my youth, were wont to detain their 
young negroes in their service until thirty years of age, 
without wages, on that account : and with this custom I 
so far agreed, that being engaged with another Friend in 
executing the will of a deceased Friend, I once sold a 
negro lad till he might attain the age of thirty years, and 
applied the money to the use of the estate. 

With abasement of heart I may now say, that some- 
times as I have sat in meeting, with my heart exercised 
toward that awful Being, who respecteth not persons nor 
colours, and have looked upon this lad, I have felt that 
all was not clear in my mind respecting him : and as I 
have attended to this exercise, and fervently sought the 
Lord, it hath appeared to me that I should make some 
restitution, but in what way I saw not till lately. Being 
under a concern that I may be resigned to go on a visit 
to some part of the West Indies, and under close en- 
gagement of spirit, seeking to the Lord for counsel 
herein, my joining in the sale aforesaid, came heavily 
Upon me, and my mind for a time, was covered with 



168 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

darkness and sorrow ; and under this sore affliction, my 
heart was softened to receive instruction. Here I saw, 
that as I had been one of the two executors, who had 
sold this lad nine years longer than is common for our 
own children to serve, so I should now offer a part of my 
substance to redeem the last half of that nine years ; but 
as the time was not yet come, I executed a bond, bind- 
ing me and my executors, to pay to the man he was sold 
to, what to candid men might appear equitable, for the 
last four years and a half of his time, in case the said 
youth should be living, and in a condition likely to pro- 
vide comfortably for himself. 

The 9th day of the tenth month, 1769. My heart 
hath often been deeply afflicted under a feeling I have 
had, that the standard of pure righteousness, is not lifted 
up to the people by us as a Society, in that clearness 
w^hich it might have been, had we been as faithful to the 
teachings of Christ as we ought to have been. As my 
mind hath been inward to the Lord, the purity of Christ's 
government hath been opened on my understanding; 
and under this exercise, that of Friends being active in 
civil society, in putting law^s in force which are not agree- 
able to the purity of righteousness, hath for several years 
been an increasing burthen upon me. I have felt in the 
openings of universal love, that where a people convinced 
of the truth of the inward teachings of Christ, are active 
in putting laws in execution, which are not consistent 
with pure wisdom, it hath a necessary tendency to bring 
dimness over their minds : and as ray heart hath been 
thus exercised, and a tender sympathy in me toward my 
fellow members, I have within a few months past, in 
several meetings for discipline, expressed iny concern on 
this subject. 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 169 



' CHAPTER X. 

His exercise for the good of the people in the West Indies — com-* 
municates to Friends his resignation to visit some of these 
islands — The state of his mind, and the close considerations 
he was. led into while under this exercise — preparations to 
embarkj and considerations on the trade to these isJands * 
released from the concern he had been under — religious en- 
gagements after his return home — His sickness, in which he 
was brought to a very low state; and the prospects he then 
had. 

The 12th day of the third month, 1770, having for 
some years past, dieted myself on account of a lump 
gathering on my nose, I grew weak in body, and not of 
ability to travel by land as heretofore. I w^as at times 
favoured to look with aw^fulness toward the Lord, before 
whom are all my ways, who alone hath the power of life 
and death ; and to feel thankfulness raised in me, for this 
his fatherly chastisement, believing if I was truly hum- 
bled under it, all would work for good. While I w^as 
under this bodily weakness, my mind being at times ex- 
ercised for my fellow-creatures in the West Indies, I 
grew jealous over myself, lest the disagreeableness of the 
prospect should hinder me from obediently attending 
thereto : for though I knew not that the Lord required 
me to go there, yet I believed that resignation w^as now^ 
called for in that respect. Feeling a danger of not being 
w^hoUy devoted to him, I was frequently engaged to w^atch 
unto prayer, that I might be preserved ; and upw^ards of 
a year having passed, as I w^alked one day in a solitary 
wood, my mind being covered with awfulness, cries 
w^ere raised in me to my merciful Father, that he would 
graciously keep me in faithfulness ; and it then settled 

P 



170 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

on my mind as a duty, to open my condition to Friends 
at our Monthly Meeting; which I did soon after, as 
follows : 

<' An exercise hath attended me for some time past, 
and of late been more weighty upon me, under which, 
I believe it is required of me to be resigned to go on a 
visit to some part of the West Indies." In the Quarterly 
and General Spring Meeting, I found no clearness to ex- 
press any thing further, than that I believed resignation 
herein was required of me ; and having obtained certifi- 
cates from all the said meetings, I felt like a sojourner at- 
my outward habitation, kept free from worldly incum- 
brances, and was often bowed in spirit before the Lord, 
with inward breathings to him, that I might be rightly 
directed. I may here note, that what I have before re- 
lated of my being when young, joined as an executor 
with another Friend, in executing a will, our having sold 
a negro lad till he might attain the age of thirty years, 
was now the occasion of great sorrow to me. After 
having settled matters relating to this youth, I provided 
sea-stores, a bed, and other things for the voyage ; and 
hearing of a vessel likely to sail from Philadelphia for Bar- 
badoes, I spoke with one of the owners at Burlington, and 
soon after went to Philadelphia on purpose to speak with 
him again. He told me there was a Friend in town 
who was part owner of the said vessel ; but I felt no in- 
clination to speak with him, but returned home. A 
while after, I took leave of my family, and going to 
Philadelphia, had some weighty conversation with the 
first-mentioned owner, and showed him a writing, as 
follows : 

<« On the 24th day of the eleventh month, 1769. As 
an exercise, with respect to a visit to Barbadoes, hath 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 171 

been weighty on my mind, I may express some of the 
trials which have attended me, under which, I have at 
times rejoiced that I have felt my own self-will subjected. 
'' Some years ago, I retailed rum, sugar and molasses, 
the fruits of the labour of slaves ; but then had not much 
concern about them, save only that the rum might be 
used in moderation ; nor was this concern so weightily 
attended to, as I now believe it ought to have been. 
But of late years being further informed respecting the 
oppressions too generally exercised in these islands, and 
thinking often on the degrees there are in the connexions 
of interest and fellowship with the works of darkness, 
Ephe. V, 11 ; and feeling an increasing concern to be 
wholly given up to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, it 
hath appeared to me, that the small gain I got by this 
branch of trade, should be applied in promoting right- 
eousness on the earth ; and was the first motion toward 
a visit to Barbadoes. I believed the outward substance I 
possess should be applied in paying my passage, if I go, 
and providing things in a lowly way for my subsistence ; 
but when the time drew near, in which I believed it re- 
quired of me to be in readiness, a difficulty arose, w^hich 
hath been a continued trial for some months past ; under 
which, I have with abasement of mind, from day to day, 
sought the Lord for instruction ; and often had a feeling 
of the condition of one formerly, who bewailed himself, 
for that the Lord hid his face from him. During these 
exercises, my heart hath been often contrite ; and I have 
had a tender feeling of the temptations of my fellow- 
creatures, labouring under those expensive customs dis- 
unguishable from the simplicity that there is in Christ, 
2 Cor. ii, 3, and sometimes in the renewings of Gospe. 
love, I have been helped to minister to others. 



172 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

^' That which hath so closely engaged vlj mind in 
seeking to the Lord for instruction is, whether after so 
full information of the oppression which the slaves who 
raise the West India produce lie under, as I had in read- 
ing a caution and warning to Great Britain and her colo- 
nies, written by Anthony Benezet, it is right for me to 
take a passage in a vessel employed in the West India 
trade. 

" To trade freely with oppressors, and without labour- 
ing to dissuade from their unkind treatment, seek for 
gain by such traffic, tends, I believe, to make them more 
easy respecting their conduct, than they would be, if the 
cause of universal righteousness was humbly and firmly 
attended to, by those with whom they have commerce. 
That complaint of the Lord by his prophet, '' They have 
strengthened the hands of the wicked," hath very often 
revived in my mind ; and I may here add some circum- 
stances preceding any prospect of a visit there. The 
case of David hath often been before me of late years : 
he longed for some water in a well beyond an army of 
Philistines, at war with Israel ; and some of his men to 
please him, ventured their lives in passing through this 
army, and brought that water. 

<' It doth not appear that the Israelites were then scarce 
of water, but rather, that David gave way to delicacy of 
taste ; but having thought on the danger these men were 
exposed to, he considered this water as their blood, and 
his heart smote him that he could not drink it, but poured 
it out to the Lord. The oppression of the slaves which I 
have seen in several journeys southward, on this conti- 
nent, and the report of their treatment in the West In- 
dies hath deeply affected me ; and a care to live in the 
spirit of peace, and minister just cause of offence to nopc 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 173 

of mj fellow-cieatures, hath, from time to time, livingly 
revived on my mind ; and under this exercise, I have 
for some years past, declined to gratify my palate with 
those sugars. 

<' I do not censure my brethren in these things ; but 
believe the Father of mercies, to whom all mankind by 
creation are equally related, hath heard the groans of 
these oppressed people ; and is preparing soon to have a 
tender feeling of their condition: and the trading in, or 
frequent use of any produce known to be raised by the 
labours of those who are under such lamentable oppres- 
sion, hath appeared to be a subject which may yet require 
the more serious consideration of the humble followers 
of Christ, the prince of peace. 

^' After long and mournful exercise, I am now^ free to 
mention how things have opened in my mind, with de- 
sires that if it may please the Lord, further to open his 
will to any of his children in this matter, they may faith- 
fully follow him in such further manifestation. 

'^ The number of those who decline the use of the 
West India produce, on account of the hard usage of the 
slaves who raise it, appears small, even amongst people 
truly pious; and the labours in Christian love on that 
subject, of those who do, are not very extensive. 

" Were the trade from this continent to the Wesx, 
Indies to be quite stopped at once, I believe many there 
would suffer for want of bread. 

'« Did we on this continent, and the inhabitants of the 
West Indies, generally dwell in pure righteousness, I 
believe a small trade between us might be right. Under 
these considerations, when the thoughts of wholly de- 
clining the use of trading vessels, and of trying to hire a 
vessel to go in ballast have arisen in my mind, I have 

p2 



. 74 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

believed that the labours in Gospel love, yet besto ived i^ 
the cause of universal righteousness, are not arrived to 
that height. 

'^ If the trade to the West Indies was no more than 
was consistent with pure wisdom, I beUeve the passage 
money would, for good reasons, be higher than it is now; 
and under deep exercise of mind, I have believed that I 
should not take the advantage of this great trade and 
small passage money ; but as a testimony in favour of less 
trading, should pay more than is common for others to 
pay, if I go at this time." 

The first-mentioned owner having read the paper, ex- 
pressed a willingness to go with me to the other owner; 
and we going, the other owner read over the paper, and 
we had some solid conversation; under which, I felt my 
soul bowed in reverence before the Most High. At length 
one of them asked me, if I would go and see the vessel ; 
but I had not clearness in my mind to go ; but went to 
my lodgings and retired in private. 

I was now under great exercise of mind; and my tears 
w^ere poured out before the Lord, with inward cries that 
he would graciously help me under these trials. 

In this case I believe my mind was resigned, but did 
not feel clearness to proceed ; and my own weakness and 
the necessity of Divine instruction, were impressed upon 
me. 

I was for a time as one who knew not what to do, and 
was tossed as in a tempest; under which affliction, the 
doctrine of Christ ^' Take no thought for the morrow," 
arose livingly before me. I remembered that it w^as some 
days before they expected the vessel to sail, and wa? 
favoured to get into a good degree of stillness ; and hav 
ing been nearly two days in town, I believed my obe- 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMA.N. 175 

dience to my heavenly Father consisted in returning 
homeward. I went over amongst Friends on the Jersey 
shore, and tarried till the morning on which they had 
appointed to sail ; and as I lay in bed the latter part of 
that night, ray mind was comforted ; and I felt what I 
esteemed a fresh confirmation, that it was the Lord's will 
I should pass through some further exercises near home. 

So I went home, and still felt like a sojourner with my 
family, and in the fresh spring of pure love, had some 
labours in a private way amongst Friends, on a subject 
relating to Truth's testimony ; under \vhich I had fre- 
quently been exercised in heart for some years. I remem- 
ber, as I walked on the road under this exercise, that 
passage in Ezekiel came fresh before me, " Whitherso- 
ever their faces were turned, thither they went ;" and I 
was graciously helped to discharge my duty, in the fear 
and dread of the Almighty. 

After a few weeks it pleased the Lord to visit me with 
a pleurisy ; and after I had lain a few days, and felt the 
disorder very grievous, I was thoughtful how it might end. 

I had of late, through various exercises, been much 
weaned from the pleasant things of this life ; and I now 
thought if it was the Lord's will to put an ejid to my 
labours, and graciously receive me into the arms of his 
mercy, death would be acceptable to me ; but if it was 
his will further to refine me under affliction, and make 
me in any degree, useful in his church, I desired not to 
die. I may with thankfulness say, that in this case I felt 
resignedness wrought in me, and had no inclination to 
send for a doctor; believing if it was the Lord's wiU, 
tnrough outward means, to raise me up, some sympa- 
thizing Friends would be sent to minister to me ; who 
jvere accordingly. But though I was carefully attended, 



176 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

yet the disorder was at times so heavy, that I had nc 
thoughts of recovery. One night in particular, my bodily 
distress was great; my feet grew cold, and cold increased 
up my legs toward my body, and at that time I had no 
inclination to ask my nurse to apply any thing warm to 
my feet, expecting my end was near. After I had lain 
nearly ten hours in this condition, I closed my eyes, 
thinking whether I might now be delivered out of the 
body ; but in these awful moments my mind was livingly 
opened to behold the church, and strong engagements 
were begotten in me, for the everlasting well-being of 
my fellow-creatures ; and I felt in the spring of pure love, 
that I might remain some time longer in the body, in fill- 
ing up according to my measure, that which remains of 
the afflictions of Christ, and in labouring for the good of 
the church. After this I requested my nurse to apply 
warmth to my feet, and I revived. The next night feel- 
ing a weighty exercise of spirit, and having a solid Friend 
sitting up with me, I requested him to write what I said ; 
which he did, as follows : 

" 4th day of the first month, 1770, about five o'clock 
in the morning. I have seen in the light of the Lord, 
that the day is approaching, when the man that is the 
most wise in human policy, shall be the greatest fool ; 
and the arm that is mighty to support injustice, shall be 
broken to pieces. The enemies of righteousness shall 
make a terrible rattle, and shall mightily torment one 
another; for He that is omnipotent is rising up to judg- 
ment, and will plead the cause of the oppressed ; and h€ 
commanded rr.d to open the vision." 

Near a wee], after this, feeling my mind livingly open- 
ed, I sent for a neighboui, who, at my request, WTote ais 
fjllov^'s: 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN, 171 

« The place of prayer is a precious habitatit)n ; for I now 
saw that the prayers of the saints were precious incense : 
and a trumpet was given me, that I might sound forth 
this language, that the children might hear it, and be 
invited to gather to this precious habitation, where the 
prayers of the saints, as precious incense, arise up before 
the throne of God and the Lamb — I saw this habitation 
to be safe ; to be inwardly quiet, when there were great 
stirrings and commotions in the world. 

'' Prayer at this day, in pure resignation, is a precious 
place: the trumpet is sounded, the call goes forth to the 
church, that she gather to the place of pure inward prayer ; 
and her habitation is safe." 



CHAPTER XI. 

Preparing to visit Friends in England — Embarks at Chester, in 
company with Samuel Emlen^ in a ship bound to London — 
His deep exercise, in observing the difficulties and hardships 
the common sailors are exposed to — Considerations on the 
dangers to which youth are exposed, in being trained to a 
sea-faring life; and its inconsistency with a pious education 
— thoughts in a storm at sea 3 with many instructive con- 
templations on the voyage — arrival at London. 

Having been some time under a religious concern to 
prepare for crossing the seas, in order to visit Friends in 
the Northern parts of England, and more particularly in 
Yorkshire ; after weighty consideration, I thought it expe- 
dient to inform Friends at our Monthly Meeting at Bur- 
lington of it ; who having unity with me therein, gave 
me a cexlificate. I afterwards communicated the same 
to our Quarterly Meeting, and they likewise certified 



178 LIFE CF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

their concurrence thorewith. Some time after, at the 
General Spring Meeting of ministers and elders, I thought 
it my duty to acquaint them of the religious exercise 
which attended my mind; and they likewise signified 
their unity by a certificate, dated the 24th day of the 
eighth month, 1772, directed to Friends in Great Britain. 

In the fourth month following, I thought the time was 
come for me to make some inquiry for a suitable convey- 
ance ; being apprehensive, that as my concern was prin- 
cipally towards the Northern parts of England, it would 
be most proper to go in a vessel bound to Liverpool or 
Whitehaven. While I was at Philadelphia deliberating 
on this occasion, I was informed that my beloved friend 
Samuel Emlen, jr., intending to go to London, had 
taken passage for himself in the cabin of the ship called 
Mary and Elizabeth, of which James Sparks was master, 
and John Head of the city of Philadelphia, one of the 
owners ; and I feeling a draft in my mind toward the 
steerage of the same ship, went first and opened to 
Samuel the feeling I had concerning it. 

My beloved friend wept when I spoke to him, and 
appeared glad that 1 had thought of going in the vessel 
with him, though my prospect was toward the steerage; 
and he offering to go with me, we went on board, first 
into the cabin, a commodious room, and then into the 
steerage, where we sat down on a chest, the sailors being 
busy about us ; the owner of the ship came and sat down 
with us. 

Here my mind w^as turned toward Christ, the heavenly 
counsellor ; and feeling at this time my own will sub- 
jected, my heart was contrite before him. 

A motion was made by the owner to go and sit in the 
cabin, as a place more retired ; but I felt easy to leave 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 179 

the ship, and made no agreement as to a passage in her; 
but told the owner, if I took a passage in the ship, 1 
beheved it would be in the steerage ; but did not say 
much as to my exercise in that case. 

After I went to my lodgings, and the case was a little 
known in town, a Friend laid before me the great incon- 
venience attending a passage in the steerage ; which for 
a time appeared very discouraging to me. 

I soon after went to bed, and my mind was under a 
deep exercise before the Lord, whose helping hand was 
manifested to me as I slept that night, and his love 
strengthened my heart. In the morning I went again 
w^ith two Friends on board the vessel ; and after a short 
time spent therein, I went with Samuel Emlen to the 
house of the owner ; to whom, in the hearing of Samuel, 
I opened my exercise in relation to a scruple I felt wdth 
regard to a passage in the cabin, which was in substance 
as follows : 

I told the owner that on the outside of that part of the 
ship where the cabin was, I observed sundry sorts of 
carved work and imagery ; that in the cabin I observed 
some superfluity of workmanship of several sorts ; and 
that according to the ways of men's reckoning, the sum 
of money to be paid for a passage in that apartment, had 
some relation to the expense of furnishing it to please 
the minds of such who give way to a conformity to this 
world ; and that in this case, as in other cases, the monies 
received from the passengers, are calculated to answer 
every expense relating to their passage, and amongst the 
rest of these superfluities : and that I felt a scruple with 
regard to paying my money to defray such expenses. 

As my mind was now opened, I told the owner that I 
had at several times in my travels, seen great oppressions 



.8C LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

on this continent; at which my heart had been much 
affected, and brought into a feeling of the state of the 
sufferers. And having many times been engaged, in the 
fear and love of God, to labour with those under whom 
the oppressed have been, borne down and afflicted, I 
have often perceived a desire prevalent to get riches and 
provide estates for children, to live conformably to cus- 
toms, which stand in that spirit wherein men have regard 
to the honours of this world. In the pursuit of these 
things, I have seen many entangled in the spirit of op- 
pression, and the exercise of my soul has been such, 
that I could not find peace in joining in any thing which 
I saw was against that wisdom which is pure. 

After this I agreed for a passage in the steerage ; and 
hearing that Joseph White had a desire to see me, I felt 
the reviving of a desire to see him, and w^ent to his 
house, and the next day home, where I tarried two 
nights : and then early in the morning, I parted with my 
family under a sense of the humbling hand of God upon 
me ; and going to Phil?- Jelphia, had opportunity with 
several of my beloved friends, who appeared to be con- 
cerned for me, on account of the unpleasant situation of 
that part of the vessel, where I was likely to lodge. 

In these opportunities, my mind through the mercies 
of the Lord, was kept low in an inward waiting for his 
heip ; and Friends having expressed their desire that 1 
might have a place more convenient than the steerage, 
did not urge, but appeared disposed to leave me to the 
Lord. 

Having staid two nights in Philadelphia, I went the 
next day to Darby Monthly Meeting; where, through the 
strength of Divine love, my heart was enlarged toward 
the youth then present ; under which I was helped to 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. ! 81 

labour in some tenderness of spirit. Then lodging at 
William Home's, I, with one Friend, went to Chester; 
where meeting with Samuel Emlen, we went on board 
the 1st day of the fifth month, 1772: and as I sat alone 
on the deck, I felt a satisfactory evidence that my pro- 
ceedings were not of my own will, but under the power 
of the cross of Christ. 

7th day of the fifth month : have had rough w^eather 
mostly, since I came on board ; and the passengers, 
James Reynolds, John Till Adams, Sarah Logan and her 
hired maid, and John Bispham, all sea-sick, more or 
less, at times; from which sickness, through the tender 
mercies of my heavenly Father, I have been preserved ; 
my afflictions now being of another kind. 

There appeared an openness in the minds of the master 
of the ship and of the cabin passengers toward me ; we were 
often together on the deck, and sometimes in the cabin. 

My mind, through the merciful help of the Lord, has 
been preserved in a good degree watchful, and inward ; 
and I have this day, great cause to be thankful that I 
continue to feel quietness of mind. 

As my lodging in the steerage, now nearly a week, has 
afforded me opportunities of seeing, hearing and feeling, 
with respect to the life and spirit of many poor sailors ; 
an inward exercise of soul has attended me, in regard to 
placing children and youth where they ma/ be likely to 
be exampled and instructed in the pure fear of the Lord. 
Being much amongst the seamen, I have from a motion 
of love, several times taken opportunities with one of 
them at a time alone ; and in a free conversation, laboured 
to turn their minds toward the fear of the Lord. This 
day we had a meeting in the cabin, where my heart was 
contrited under a feeling of Divine love. 

Q 



182 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAif . 

Concerning lads being trained up as searaen ; I believe 
. communication by sea from one part of the world to 
Other parts of it, is at times, consistent with the will of 
our heavenly Father ; and to educate some youth in the 
practice of sailing, I believe may be right. But how 
lamentable is the present corruption of the world ! how 
impure are the channels through which trade has a con- 
veyance ! how^ great is the danger to which poor lads are 
exposed, when placed on shipboard to learn the art of 
sailing! 

Five lads training up for the seas, w^ere now on board 
of this ship ; two of them brought up amongst our So- 
ciety, and one has a right amongst Friends, by name 
James Nayler, to whose father, James Nayler mentioned 
in Sewel's History, appears to have been uncle. 

I often feel a tenderness of heart toward these poor 
lads ; and at times look at them as though they were my 
children according to the flesh. 

O that all may take heed and beware of covetousness! 
O that all may learn of Christ, w^ho was meek and low^ 
of heart ! and in faithfully following him, he w ill teach 
us to be content with food and raiment, without respect 
to the customs or honours of thi^ world. 

Men thus redeemed, will feel a tender concern for 
their fellow-creatures, and a desire that those in the lowest 
stations maj be assisted and encouraged ; and where 
owners of ships attain to the perfect law of liberty, and 
are doers of the word, these w^ill be blessed in their 
deeds. 

A ship at sea commonly sails all night, and the seamen 
take their w^atches four hours at a time. 

Rising to work in the night, is not commonly pleasant 
in any case ; but in dark rainy nights it is very disagree- 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 183 

able, even though each man were furnished with all con- 
veniences. But if men must go out at midnight to help 
manage the ship in the rain, and having small room to 
sleep and lay their garments in, are often beset to furnish 
themselves for the watch ; their garments or some thing 
relating to their busine-ss being wanting, and not easily 
found ; when from the urgency occasioned by high winds, 
they are hastened and called up suddenly ; here is a trial 
of patience on the poor sailors, and the poor lads their 
companions. 

If after they have been on deck several hours in the 
night, they come down into the steerage soaking wet, 
and are so closely stowed that proper convenience for 
change of garment is not easily come at, but for want of 
proper room their wet garments thrown in heaps, and 
sometimes through much crowding, are trodden under 
foot, in going to their lodgings and getting out of them, 
and great difficulty at times, each one to find his own ; 
here are trials on the poor sailors. 

As I have been with them in my lodge, my heart has 
often yearned for them ; and tender desires been raised 
in me, that owners and masters of vessels may dwell in 
the love of God, and therein act uprightly ; and by seek- 
ing less for gain, and looking carefully to their ways, may 
earnestly labour to remove all cause of provocation from 
the poor seamen, either to fret or use excess of strong 
drink ; for indeed the poor creatures at times, in the wet 
and cold, seem to apply to strong drink to supply the 
w^ant of other conveniences. 

Great reformation in the world is wanting, and the 
necessity of it amongst those who do business on the 
great waters, has at this time been abundantly opened 
before me. 



184 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

The 8th day of the fifth month. This morning the 
clouds gathered, and the wind blew strong from the 
south-eastward, and before noon increased to a degree 
that made sailing appear dangerous. The seamen then 
bound up some of their sails and took down some ; and 
the storm increasing, they put the dead lights, so called, 
into the cabin windows and lighted a lamp as at night. 

The wind now blew vehemently, and the sea wrought 
to such a degree, that an awful seriousness prevailed in 
the cabin, in which I spent, I believe, about seventeen 
hours ; for I believed the poor wet toiling seamen, had 
need of all the room in the crowded steerage, and the 
cabin passengers had given me frequent invitations. 

They ceased now from sailing, and put the vessel in 
the posture called lying-to. 

My mind during this tempest, through the gracious 
assistance of the Lord, was preserved in a good degree 
of resignation ; and I felt at times a few words in his love 
to my ship-mates, in regard to the all-sufficiency of Him 
who formed the great deep, and whose care is so exten- 
sive, that a sparrow falls not without his notice. Thus 
in a tender frame of mind I spoke to them of the neces- 
sity of our yielding, in true obedience, to the instructions 
of our heavenly Father, who sometimes through adversi- 
ties, intendeth our refinement. 

About eleven o'clock at night I went out on the deck, 
when the sea wrought exceedingly, and the high foaming 
waves, all around, had in some sort the appearance of 
fire ; but did not give much, if any light. The sailo' 
then at the helm, said he lately saw a corposant at the 
head of the mast. 

About this time I observed the master of the ship 
ordered the carpenter to keep on deck; and though he 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. . 185 

said little, I apprehended his care was, that the carpenter 
with his axe might be in readiness, in case of any ex- 
tremity. 

Soon after this, the vehemency of the wind abated ; 
and before morning they again put the ship under sail. 

The 10th day of the month and first of the w^eek, being 
fine weather, we had a meeting in the cabin, at which 
most of the seamen were present ; and to me it was a 
strengthening time. 

The 13th day of the month. As I continue to lodge 
in the steerage, I feel an openness this morning to ex- 
press something further of the state of my mind, in respect 
to lads bound apprentice to learn the art of sailing. As 
I believe sailing is of some use in the w^orld, a labour of 
soul attends me, that the pure counsel of Truth may be 
humbly waited for, in this case, by all concerned in the 
business of the seas. 

A pious father, whose mind is exercised for the ever- 
lasting welfare of his child, may not, with a peaceable 
mind, place him out to an employment amongst a people 
whose common course of life is manifestly corrupt and 
profane. So great is the present defect amongst sea- 
faring men, in regard to piety and virtue, and through 
an abundant traffic, and many ships of war, so many peo- 
ple are employed on the sea, that the subject of placing 
lads to this employment appears very weighty. 

Profane examples are very corrupting and very forci- 
ble. As my mind, day after day, and night after night, 
has been affi^cted with a sympathizing tenderness toward 
^lildren put to the employment of sailors, I have some- 
times had weighty conversation with the sailors in the 
steerage, who were mostly respectful to me, and more 

q2 



186 . LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

SO the longer I was with them. They mcstlj appeared 
to take kindly what I said to them ; but their minds ap- 
peared to be so deeply impressed with the almost universal 
depravity amongst sailors, that the poor creatures in their 
answers to me on this subject, revived in my remem- 
brance, that of the degenerate Jews a little before the 
captivity, as repeated by Jeremiah the prophet, ^' There 
IS no hope." 

Under this exercise a sense of the desire of outward 
gain prevailing amongst us, hath felt grievous; and a 
strong call to the professed followers of Christ, hath 
been raised in me, that all may take heed, lest through 
loving this present w^orld, they be found in a continued 
neglect of duty, w^ith respect to a faithful labour for a 
reformation. 

Silence, as to every motion proceeding from the love 
uf money, and an humble waiting upon God to know his 
will concerning us, appear necessary : he alone is able 
to strengthen us to dig deep, to remove all which lies 
between us and the safe foundation, and so to direct us 
in our outward employments, that pure universal love 
ma/ shine forth in our proceedings. 

Desires arising from the Spirit of Truth, are pure de- 
sires ; and when a mind, divinely opened toward a young 
generation, is made sensible of corrupting examples, 
powerfully working and extensively spreading amongst 
them, how moving is the prospect ! 

There is a great trade to the coasi of Africa for slaves ; 
of which I heard frequent conversation arnc ng the sailors ! 

A great trade in that which is raised and prepared 
through grievous oppression ! 

A great trade in superfluity of workmanship formed tn 
please the pride and vanity of people's minds! 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 187 

Great and extensive is that depravity which prevails 
imongst the poor sailors ! 

When I remember that saying of the Most High, 
through his prophet, " This people have I formed for 
myself; they shall show forth my praise," and think of 
placing children amongst them, to learn the practice of 
sailing, the consistency of it with a pious education, 
seems to me like that mentioned by the prophet, ''There 
is no answer from God." 

In a world of dangers and difficulties, like a desolate 
thorny wilderness, how precious, how comfortable, how 
safe, are the leadings of Christ, the good Shepherd ; 
who said, '' I know my sheep, and am known of mine." 

The 16th day of the month. Wind for several days 
past often high, what the sailors call squally, rough sea 
and frequent rains. This last night was a very trying 
one to the poor seamen ; the water, during the chief part 
of it, running over the main deck, and sometimes break- 
ing waves came on the quarter deck. The latter part 
of the night as I lay in bed, my mind was humbled under 
the power of Divine love ; and resignedness to the great 
Creator of the earth and the seas, was renewedly wrought 
in me, whose fatherly care over his children felt precious 
to my soul. Desires w^ere now renewed in me, to em- 
brace every opportunity of being inwardly acquainted 
with the hardships and difficulties of my fellow-creatures, 
and to labour in his love for the spreading of pure uni- 
versal righteousness on the earth. The opportunities 
were frequent of hearing conversation amongst the sailors, 
in respect to the voyages to Africa, the manner of bringing 
tne deeply oppressed slaves into our islands, and their 
condition on board the vessels, frequently in chains and 
fetters, with hearts loaded with grief, under the appre* 



188 LIFE OF JOHJS WOOLMAN. 

hensions of miserable slavery ; and my mind was fre« 
quently opened to meditate on these things. 

On the 17th day of the month and first of the week, 
we had a meeting in the cabin ; to which the seamen 
generally came. My spirit w^as contrite before the Lord ; 
whose love at this time, affected my heart. 

This afternoon I felt a tender sympathy of soul, with 
my poor wife and family left behind ; in which state my 
heart w^as enlarged in desires that they may walk in that 
humble obedience wherein the everlasting Father may be 
their guide and support through all the difficulties in this 
w'orld ; and a sense of that gracious assistance, through 
which my mind hath been strengthened to take up the 
cross and leave them, to travel in the love of Truth, begot 
thankfulness in my heart to our great Helper. 

On the 24th day of the month and first of the w^eek, a 
clear pleasant morning ; and as I sat on deck, I felt a re- 
viving in my nature ; which through much rainy weather 
and high winds, being shut up in a close unhealthy air, 
was weakened. 

Several nights of late I felt breathing so difficult, that 
a little after the rising of the second watch, which is 
about midnight, I got up, and stood, I believe, nearly 
an hour w^ith my face near the hatchway, to get the fresh 
air at a small vacancy under the hatch door, which is 
commonly shut down, partly to keep out rain, and some- 
times to keep the breaking waves from dashing into the 
steerage. 

I may, with thankfulness to the Father of mercies, 
acknowledge that in my present weak state, my mind 
hath been supported to bear the affliction with patience ; 
and I have looked at the present dispensation as a kind- 
ness from the great Father of mankind, who, in this my 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 189 

Hoating pilgrimage, is in some degree bringing me to 
feel what many thousands of my fellow-creatures often 
suffer in a greater degree. 

]\fy appetite failing, the trial has been the heavier; 
and I have felt tender breathings in my soul after God, 
the fountain of comfort, whose inward help has supplied, 
at times, the want of outward convenience : and strong 
desires have attended me, that his family, who are ac- 
quainted with the movings of his Holy Spirit, may be so 
redeemed from the love of money, and from that spirit 
in which men seek honour one of another ; that in all 
business by sea or land, we may constantly keep in view 
the coming of his kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven ; 
and by faithfully following this safe guide, show forth 
exaiiTples, tending to lead out of those things under 
which the creation groans ! 

This day we had a meeting in the cabin ; in which I 
was favoured in some degree to experience the fulfilling 
of that saying of the prophet, ''The Lord hath been a 
strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in their dis- 
tress ;" for which my heart is bowed in thankfulness 
before him. 

The 28th day of the month : wet weather of late, with 
small w^inds inclining to calms ; our seamen cast a lead, 
I suppose about one hundred fathoms, but found no 
bottom : foggy weather this morning. 

Through the kindness of the great Preserver of men, 
my mind remains quiet ; and a degree of exercise from 
day to day attends me, that the pure peaceable govern- 
ment of Christ may spread and prevail amongst mankind. 

The leading on of a young generation, in that pure 
way, in which the wisdom of this world hath no place; 
vvhere parents and tutors, humbly waiting for the heav- 



190 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

enly Counsellor, may example them in the Truth as il 
is in Jesus, has for several days, been the exercise of my 
mind. O how safe, how quiet is that state, where the 
soul stands in pure obedience to the voice of Christ, and 
a watchful care is maintained, not to follow the voice of 
the stranger ! 

Here, Christ is felt to be our Shepherd; and under his 
leading people are brought to a. stability ; and where he 
doth not lead forward, we are bound in the bonds of 
pure love, to stand still and wait upon him. In the love 
of money, and in the wdsdom of this world, business is 
proposed, then the urgency of affairs pushes forw^ard ; 
nor can the mind in this state, discern the good and per- 
fect will of God concerning us. 

The love of God is manifested in graciously calling us 
to come out of that w^hich stands in confusion ; but if we 
bow^ not in the name of Jesus ; if we give not up those 
prospects of gain, which in the wisdom of this world are 
open before us, but say in our hearts, I must needs go 
on ; and in going on, I hope to keep as near to the 
purity of Truth, as the business before me will admit of; 
here the mind remains entangled, and the shining of the 
light of life into the soul is obstructed. 

This query opens in my mind in the love of Christ ; 
where shall a pious father place his son apprentice, to be 
instructed in the practice of crossing the seas ; and have 
faith to believe, that Christ our holy Shepherd leads him 
to place his son there ? 

Surely the Lord calls to mourning and deep humilia- 
tion, that in his fear we may be instructed, and led safely 
on through the great difficulties and perplexities of the 
present age. 

In an en/ ire subjection of our wills, the Lord gra 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 191 

ciously opens a way for his people, where all their wants 
are bounded by his wisdom ; and here we experience 
the substance of what Moses the prophet figured out in 
the water of separation, as a purification from sin. 

Esau is mentioned as a child red all over, like a hairy 
garment : in Esau is represented the natural will of man. 
In preparing the water of separation, a red heifer with- 
out blemish, on which there had been no yoke, was to 
be slain, and her blood sprinkled by the priest seven 
times toward the tabernacle of the congregation. Then 
her skin, her flesh, and all pertaining to her, were to be 
burnt without the camp ; and of her ashes the water was 
prepared. Thus the crucifying of the old man, or natural 
will, is represented ; and hence comes a separation from 
that carnal mind, which is death. 

<' He who toucheth the dead body of a man, and puri- 
fieth not himself with the water of separation, he defileth 
the tabernacle of the Lord ; he is unclean." 

If any through the love of gain, go forth into business, 
wherein they dwell as amongst the tombs, and touch the 
bodies of those who are dead : if these,, through the in- 
finite love of God, feel the power of the cross of Christ 
to crucify them to the world, and therein learn humbly 
to follow the Divine Leader ; here is the judgment of 
this world — here the prince of this world is cast out. 

The water of separation is felt; and though we have 
been amongst the slain, and through the desire of gain 
have touched the dead body of a man ; yet in the puri- 
fying love of Christ, we are washed in the water of 
separation, are brought off* from that business, from that 
gain, and from that fellowship, which are not agreeable 
to his holy will. I have felt a renewed confirmation in 
the time of this voyage, that the Lord, in his infinite* 



192 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

love, is calling to his visited children, so to give up all 
outward possessions and means of getting treasures, that 
his Holy Spirit may have free course in their hearts, and 
direct them in all their proceedings. 

To feel the substance pointed at in this figure, man 
must know death, as to his own wilL 

'' No man can see God, and live :" This was spoken 
by the Almighty to Moses the prophet ; and opened by 
our blessed Redeemer. 

As death comes on our own wills, and a new life is 
formed in us, the heart is purified and prepared to under- 
stand clearly. '' Blessed are the pure in heart, for they 
shall see God." In purity of heart, the mind is Divinely 
opened to behold the nature of universal righteousness, 
or the righteousness of the kingdom of God. '' No man 
hath seen the Father, save he that is of God ; he hath 
seen the Father." 

The natural mind is active about the things of this life ; 
and in this natural activity, business is proposed, and 
there is a will in us to go forward in it. And as long as 
this natural wall remains unsubjected, so long there re- 
mains an obstruction against the clearness of Divine light 
operating- in us ; but when we love God with all our 
heart, and with all our strength, then in this love we love 
our neighbours as ourselves ; and a tenderness of heart 
is felt toward all people for whom Christ died, even such 
who as to untoward circumstances may be to us as the 
Jews were to the Samaritans. '^ Who is my neigh- 
bour?" See this question answered by our Saviour, 
Luke X, 30. 

In this love we can say, that Jesus is the Lord ; and 
the reformation in our souls is manifested in a full reforma- 
tion of our lives, wherein all things are new, and all 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 193 

things are of God ; 2 Cor. v, 18, in this the desire of 
gain is subjected. 

When employment is honestly followed in the light of 
Truth; and people become diligent in business, ''fer- 
vent in spirit, serving the Lord," the name is opened ; 
" This is the name by which he shall be called, The 
Lord our Righteousness." Oh, how precious is this 
name ! It is like ointment poured out. The chaste 
virgins are in love with the Redeemer; and for promot- 
ing his peaceable kingdom in the world, are content to 
endure hardness like good soldiers ; and are so separated 
in spirit from the desire of riches, that in their employ- 
ments, they become extensively careful to give no of- 
fence, either to Jew^s, or heathen, or the church of Christ. 

On the 31st day of the month, and first of the week, 
we had a meeting in the cabin, with nearly all the ship's 
company ; the whole being nearly thirty. In this meet- 
ing the Lord, in mercy, favoured us w^ith the extendings 
of his love. 

The 2d day of the sixth month. Last evening the 
seamen found bottom at about twenty fathoms. 

This morning there was a fair wind, and it was plea- 
sant : as I sat on deck my heart was overcome with the 
love of Christ, and melted into contrition before him : 
and in this state, the prospect of that work, to which I 
have felt my mind drawn when in my native land, being 
in some degree opened before me, I felt like a little 
child ; and my cries were put up to my heavenly Father 
for preservation, that in an humble dependence on him, 
my soul may be strengthened in his love, and kept in- 
wardly waiting for his counsel. 

This afternoon we saw that part of England called the 
Lizard. 

R 



i94 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Some dunghill fowls yet remained of those the pas* 
{^engers took for their sea-stores : I believe about fourteen 
perished in the storms at sea, by the waves breaking 
over the quarter-deck ; and a considerable number with 
sickness, at difierent times. I observed the cocks crew 
coming down the Delaware, and while we were near the 
land ; but afterward, I think I did not hear one of them 
crow till we came near the land in England, when they 
again crowed a few times. 

In observing their dull appearance at sea, and the 
pining sickness of some of them, I often remembered the 
fountain of Goodness, who gave being to all creatures, 
and whose love extends even to caring for the sparrows; 
and I beheve, where the love of God is verily perfected, 
and the true spirit of government w^atchfully attended to, 
a tenderness toward all creatures made subject to us 
will be experienced ; and a care felt, that we do not 
lessen that sweetness of life, in the animal creation, which 
the great Creator intends for them under our government. 

The 4th day of the month. Wet weather, with high 
winds, and so dark that we could see but a little way. 
I perceived our seamen were apprehensive of missing the 
channel ; which I understood w^as narrow. In a while 
it grew lighter ; and they sa^v the land, and knew where 
we were. Thus the Father of mercies was pleased to 
try us with the sight of dangers, and then graciously 
from time to time deliver from them ; sparing our lives, 
that in humility and reverence, we may walk before him, 
and put our trust in him. 

About noon a pilot came off from Dover ; w here my 
beloved friend Samuel Emlen went on shore, and thence 
to London, about seventy-two miles by land ; but I feh 
easy in staying in the ship. 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 195 

The 7th day of the month, and first of the week. A 
clear mornmg ; we lay at anchor for the tide, and had a 
parting meeting with the ship's company ; in which my 
heart was enlarged in a fervent concern for them, that 
they may come to experience salvation through Christ. 
Had a head wind up the Thames ; sometimes lay at an- 
chor, and saw many ships passing, and some at anchor 
near ; and had large opportunity of feeling the spirit in 
which the poor bewildered sailors too generally live. 
That lamentable degeneracy, which so much prevails 
among the people employed on the seas, so affected my 
heart, that I may not easily convey to another the feeling 
I have had. 

The present state of a sea-faring life in general, ap- 
pears so opposite to a pious education ; so full of cor- 
ruption, and extreme alienation from God ; so full of 
examples, the most dangerous to young people, that in 
looking toward a young generation, I feel a care for 
them, that they may have an education different from the 
present education of lads at sea: and that all of us, who 
are acquainted with the pure Gospel spirit, may lay this 
case to heart, may remember the lamentable corruptions 
which attend the conveyance of merchandise across the 
seas, and so abide in the love of Christ, that being de- 
livered from the love of money, from the entangling 
expenses of a curious, delicate and luxurious life, we 
may learn contentment with a little; and promote the 
sea-faring life no further, than that spirit, wHch leads 
into all truth, attends us in our proceedings. 



196 lilFE OF JOKl^ WOOLMAN. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Attends the Yearly Meeting in London — proceeds towards York- 
shire, visiting several Quarterly and other meetings in the 
counties of Hertford, Warwick, Oxford, Nottinghani, York, 
and Westmoreland ) and thence again into Yorkshire, and to 
the city of York — some instructive thoughts and observa- 
tions — letters on divers subjects — hears of the decease of 
William Hunt 3 some account of him — sickness at York; 
and death there. 

On the 8th day of the sixth month, 1772, we landed 
at London; and I went straightway to the Yearly Meet- 
ing of ministers and elders, which had been gathered, I 
suppose, about half an hour. 

In this meeting, my mind was humbly contrite : in the 
afternoon, the meeting of business opened, which by 
adjournments held near a w^eek. In these meetings, I 
often felt a living concern for the establishment of Friends 
in the pure life of Truth ; and my heart was enlarged in 
the meeting of ministers, meeting of business, and in 
several meetings for public worship ; and I felt my mind 
united in true love to the faithful labourers now gathered 
at this Yearly Meeting. 

On the 15th day of the month I left London, and went 
to a Quarterly Meeting at Hertford. 

The 1st day of the seventh month. I have been at 
Quarterly Meetings at Sherrington, Northampton, Ban- 
bury and Shipton, and had sundry meetings between. 
My mind has been bowed under a sense of Divine good- 
ness manifested amongst us ; my heart being often en- 
larged in true love, both amongst ministers and elders, 
and in public meetings ; and through the Lor/l's good- 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 197 

ness, I believe it has been a fresh visitation to maiij, in 
particular to the youth. 

The 17th day of the month. Was this day at Birming- 
ham : have been at meetings at Coventry, Warwick in 
Oxfordshire, and sundry other places; I have felt the 
humbling hand of the Lord upon me, and through his 
tender mercies find peace in the labours I have gone 
through. 

The 26th day of the month. I have continued trav- 
elling northward visiting meetings : was this day at 
Nottingham ; w^hich, in the forenoon especially, was 
through Divine love a heart-tendering season : next day 
had a pieeting with Friends' children and some Friends; 
this, through the strengthening arm of the Lord, w^as a 
time to be thankfully remembered. 

The 2d day of the eighth month, and first of the 
week, was this day at Sheffield, a large inland tow^n : I 
have been at sundry meetings last week, and feel inward 
thankfulness for that Divine support, w^hich hath been 
graciously extended to me. 

The 9th day of the month, and first of the w^eek, was 
at Rushworth: have lately passed through some painful 
labour ; but I have been comforted, under a sense of that 
Divine visitation, which I feel extended toward many 
young people. 

The 16th day of the month, the first of the week, was 
at Settle: it has of late been a time of inward poverty; 
under which, my min^ has been preserved in a watchful 
tender state, feeling for the mind of the holy Leader, 
and find peace in the labours I have passed through. 

On inquiry, in many places, I find the price of rye 
about five shillings, and w^heat about eight shillings, per 
bushel; oatmeal twelve shillings for an hundred and 

r2 



198 ' LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

twenty pounds ; mutton from three-pence to five-pence 
per pound ; bacon, from seven-pence to nine-pence ; 
cheese, from four-pence to six-pence; butter, from eight- 
pence to ten-pence ; house-rent, for a poor man, from 
' wenty-five shillings to forty shillings per year, to be paid 
weekly ; wood for fire, very scarce and dear ; coal, in 
some places, two shillings and six-pence per hundred 
weight ; but near the pits, not a quarter so much. 0, 
may the wealthy consider the poor! 

The wages of labouring men in several counties toward 
London, are ten-pence per day in common business, the 
employer finds small-beer, and the labourer finds his own 
food; but in harvest and hay time, wages are about 
one shilling per day, and the labourer has all his diet, 
In some parts of the north of England, poor labouring 
men have their food where they work ; and appear, in 
common, to do rather better than nearer London. In- 
dustrious women, who spin in the factories, get some 
four-pence, some five-pence, and so on to six, seven, 
eight, nine or ten-pence per day, and find their own 
house-room and diet. Great numbers of poor people 
live chiefly on bread and water in the southern parts of 
England, and some in the northern parts; and there are 
many poor children not even taught to read. May those 
who have plenty, lay these things to heart ! 

Stage-coaches frequently go upwards of an hundred 
miles in twenty-four hours ; and I have heard Friends 
say, in several places, that it is common for horses to be 
killed with hard driving, and many others are driv m until 
they grow blind. 

Post-bo)s pursue their business, each one to his stage, 
all night through the winter : some boys who ride long 
stages, suffer greatly during winter nights ; and at several 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 199 

places I have heard of their being frozen to death. So 
great is the hurry in the spirit of this world, that in 
aiming to do business quick and to gain wealth, the 
creation at this day doth loudly groan! 

As my journey has been without a horse, I have had 
several offers of being assisted on my way in stage- 
coaches ; but have not been in them ; nor have I had 
freedom to send letters by these posts, in the present 
way of their riding; the stages being so fixed, and one 
boy dependant on another as to time, that they commonly 
go upward of one hundred miles in twenty-four hours ; and 
in the cold long winter nights, the poor boys suffer much. 
I heard in America of the way of these posts ; and 
cautioned Friends in the General Meeting of ministers 
and elders at Philadelphia, and in the Yearly Meeting of 
ministers and elders at London, not to send letters to me 
on any common occasion by post. And though on this 
account, I may be likely to hear more seldom from my 
family left behind, yet for righteousness sake, I am 
through Divine favour made content. 

I have felt great distress of mind, since I came on this 
island, on account of the members of our Society being 
mixed with the world, in various sorts of business and 
traffic, carried on in impure channels. Great is the trade 
to Africa for slaves! and in loading these ships, abund- 
ance of people are employed in the factories ; amongst 
whom are many of dur Society. Friends in early times 
refused on a religious principle, to make or trade in su- 
perfluities, of which we have many large testimonies on 
record : but for want of faithfulness some gave way, even 
some whose examples were of note in our Society ; and 
from thence others took more liberty. Members of our 
Society worked in superfluities, and bought and sold 



200 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

them ; and thus dimness of sight came over many. At 
icngth. Friends got into the use of some superfluities in 
dress, and in the furniture of their houses; and this has 
spread from less to more, until superfluity of some kinds 
is common amongst us. 

In this declining state, many look at the example one 
of another, and too much neglect the pure feeling of 
Truth. Of late years, a deep exercise has attended my 
mind, that Friends may dig deep, may carefully cast 
forth the loose matter, and get down to the Rock, the 
sure foundation, and there hearken to that Divine voice 
which gives a clear and certain sound. I have felt in 
that which doth not deceive, that if Friends who have 
known the Truth, keep in that tenderness of heart, where 
all views of outward gain are given up, and their trust is 
only on the Lord, he will graciously lead some to be 
patterns of deep self-denial in things relating to trade and 
handicraft labour; and that some who have plenty of the 
treasures of this world, will set an example of a plain 
frugal life, and pay wages to such whom they may hire, 
more liberally than is now^ customary in some places. 

The 23d day of the month ; was this day at Preston- 
Patrick, and had a comfortable meeting. I have several 
times been entertained at the houses of Friends, who had 
sundry things about them which had the appearance of 
outward greatness ; and as I have kept inward, way has 
opened for conversation w^ith such in private, in which 
Divine goodness has favoured us together with heart- 
tendering times. 

The 26th day of the month. Being now at George 
Crosfield's, in the county of Westmoreland, I feel a con- 
cern to commit to writing, that which to me hath been a 
case uncommon. 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 201 

III a time of sickness with the pleurisy, a little upward 
j{ two years and a half ago, I w^as brought so near the 
gates of death, that I forgot my name : being then de- 
sirous to know who I w^as, I saw a mass of matter of a 
dull gloomy colour, between the south and the east; and 
w^as informed, that this mass was human beings in as 
great misery as they could be, and live ; and that I was 
mixed in with them, and that henceforth I might not con- 
sider myself as a distinct or separate being. In this state 
I remained several hours. I then heard a soft melodious 
voice, more pure and harmonious than any I had heard 
before. I believed it was the voice of an angel, who 
spake to the other angels, and the words were these, 
John Woolman is dead. I soon remembered that I once 
was John Woolman ; and being assured that I was alive 
in the body, I greatly wondered what that heavenly voice 
could mean. 

I believed beyond doubting that it was the voice of an 
holy angel ; but as yet it was a mystery to me. 

I was then carried in spirit to the mines, where poor 
oppressed people were digging rich treasures for those 
called Christians ; and I heard them blaspheme the name 
of Christ, at which I was grieved ; for his name to me 
was precious. 

Then I was informed, that these heathen were told, 
that those w^ho oppressed them were the followers of 
Christ ; and they said amongst themselves. If Christ 
directed them to use us in this sort, then Christ is a cruel 
tyrant. 

All this time the song of the angel remained a mystery ; 
and in the morning, my dear wife and some others coming 
to my bed-side, I asked them if they knew who I was; 
and they telling me I was John Woolman, thought I was 



202 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

light-headed : for I told them not what the angel said, 
nor was I disposed to talk much to any one ; but was 
very desirous to get so deep, that I might understand this 
mystery. 

My tongue was often so dry, that I could not speak 
till I had moved it about and gathered some moisture, 
and as I lay still for a time, at length I felt Divine power 
prepare my mouth that I could speak ; and then I said, 
^^ I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live ; yet not 
I, but Christ liveth in me : and the life I now live in the 
flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved 
me, and gave himself for me." 

Then the mystery was opened ; and I perceived there 
was joy in heaven over a sinner who had repented ; and 
that that language (John Woolman is dead) meant no 
more than the death of my ow^n will. 

Soon after this I coughed, and raised much bloody 
matter ; which I had not done during this vision : and 
now my natural understanding returned as before. Here 
I saw^, that people getting silver vessels to set off their 
tables at entertainments, was often stained with worldly 
glory ; and that in the present state of things, I should 
take heed how I fed myself out of silver vessels. 

Soon after my recovery, going to our Monthly Meet- 
ing, I dined at a Friend's house where drink w^as brought 
in silver vessels, and not in any other ; and wanting some 
drink, I told him my case with weeping; and he ordered 
some drink for me in another vessel. 

The like I afterwards went through in several Friends' 
houses in America, and have also in England, since 1 
came here: and have cause, with humble reverence, to 
acknowledge the loving-kindness of my heavenly Father, 
who hath preserved me in such a tender frame of mind, 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 203 

that none, I believe, have ever been offendtd at what I 
have said on that occasion. 

After this sickness, I spake not in pubUc meetings' for 
worship for nearly one year ; but my mind was very often 
in company with the oppressed slaves, as I sat in meet- 
ings : and though under this dispensation, I was shut up 
from speaking, yet the spring of the Gospel ministry was 
many times livingly opened in me ; and the Divine gift 
operated by abundance of weeping, in feeling the op- 
pression of this people. It being long since I passed 
through this dispensation, and the matter remaining fresh 
and livingly in my mind, I believe it safest for me to 
commit it to writing. 

The 30th day of the month. This morning I wrote a 
lettfjr, in substance as follows : 

^' Beloved friend, 
<' My mind is often affected as I pass along, under a 
sense of the state of many poor people, who sit undei 
that sort of ministry which requires much outward labour 
to support it; and the loving-kindness of our heavenly 
Father, in opening a pure Gospel ministry in this nation, 
hath often raised thankfulness in my heart to him. I often 
remember the conflicts of the faithful under persecution, 
and now look at the free exercise of the pure gift, unin- 
terrupted by outward laws, as a trust committed to us, 
which requires our deepest gratitude, and most careful 
attention. I feel a tender concern, that the work of 
reformation, so prosperously carried on in this land within 
a few ages past, may go forward and spread amongst the 
nations ; and may not go backward, through dust gather- 
ing on our garments, who have been called to a w^ork so 
great and so precious. 



204 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

" Last evening I had a litde opportunity at thy house 
with some of thy family in thy absence, in which I re- 
joiced; and feeling a sweetness on my mind toward thee, 
I now^ endeavour to open a little of the feeling I had 
there. 

*' I have heard that in these parts, you had, at certain 
seasons meetings of conference, in relation to Friends 
living up to our principles, in which several meetings 
unite in one ; with which I fec^ unity. I have in some 
measure, felt Truth lead that way amongst Friends in 
America; and have found, my dear friend, that in these 
labours, all superfluities in our own living are against 
us. I feel that pure love toward thee, in which there is 
freedom. 

" I look at that precious gift bestowed on thee, w^ith 
awfulness before Him who gave it ; and feel a care, that 
w^e may be so separated to the Gospel of Christ, that 
those things which proceed from the spirit of this world, 
may have no place amongst us. 

" Thy friend, 

John Woolman.'' 

I rested a few days, in body and mind, with our friend 
Jane Crosfield, who was once in America: was on the 
sixth day of the week, at Kendal in Westmoreland; and 
at Grayrig meeting the 30th day of the month, and first 
of the w eek. 

I have known poverty of late, and been graciously 
supported to keep in the patience; and am thankful, 
under a sense of the goodness of the Lord toward ^hose 
that are of a contrite spirit. 

The 6th day of the ninth month and first of the week ; 
was this day at Counterside, a large meeting-house and 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 205 

very full : and through the opening of pure lo>c, it was 
a strengthening time to me, and I believe to many more. 

The 13th day of the month. Was this day at Rich- 
mond, a small meeting; but the town's people coming 
in, the house was crowded : it was a time of heavy 
labour ; and I believe was a profitable meeting. 

At this place I heard that my kinsman William Hunt 
from North Carolina, who was on a religious visit to 
Friends in England, departed this life on the 9th day of 
the ninth month instant, of the smallpox, at Newcastle. 
He appeared in the ministry w'hen a youth ; and hi& 
labours therein were of good savour. He travelled much 
in that work in America. I once heard him say in public 
testimony, that his concern was, in that visit, to be de- 
voted to the service of Christ so fully, that he might not 
spend one minute in pleasing himself; which w^ords, 
joined with his example, were a means of stirring up the 
pure mind in me. 

Having of late travelled often in wet weather, through 
narrow streets in towns and villages, where there were 
dirtiness under foot, and the scent arising from that filth, 
which more or less infects the air of all thickly settled 
tow^ns; and being but w^eakly, I have felt distress both 
in body and mind, with that which is impure. 

In these journeys I have been where much cloth has 
been dyed ; and sundry times walked over ground, where 
much of the dye stufls has drained away. I have felt a 
longing in my mind, that people might come into clean- 
ness of spirit, cleanness of person, and cleanness about 
their houses and garments. 

Somo who are great, carry delicacy to a great height 
.^hemselves, and yei real cleanliness is not generallv pro- 
moted. Dyes being invented partly to please the eye. 



206 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAK. 

and partly to hide dirt, I have felt in this weak state^ 
travelling in dirtiness and affected with unwholesome 
scents, a strong desire that the practice of dyeing cloth 
*^o hide dirt may be more fully considered. 

To hide dirt in our garments, appears opposite to rea] 
cleanliness. 

To wash garments and keep them sweet, appears 
cleanly. 

Through giving way to hiding dirt in our garments, a 
spirit which would cover that which is disagreeable, is 
strengthened. 

Real cleanness becometh a holy people : but hiding 
that which is not clean by colouring our garments, ap- 
pears contrary to the sweetness of sincerity. 

Through some sorts of dyes, cloth is less useful ; and 

^ the value of dye-stuffs, the expense of dyeing, and the 

damage done to cloth were all added together, and that 

expense applied to keep all sweet and clean, how much 

more cleanly would people be. 

On this visit to England I have felt some instructions 
sealed on my mind, which I am concerned to leave in 
writing, for the use of such who are called to the station 
of a minister of Christ. 

Christ being the Prince of peace, and we being no 
more than ministers, I find it necessary for us, not only 
to feel a concern in our first going forth, but to expe- 
rience the renewing thereof, in the appointment of meet- 
ings. 

I felt a concern in America, to prepare for this voyage ; 
and being through the mercy of God brought safely here, 
my heart was like a vessel that wanted vent, and for 
several weeks at first, when my mouth was opened m 
meetings, it often felt like the raising of a gate in a watei 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. ' 207 

:;ourse, where a weight of w^ater lay upon it ; and in these 
labours there appeared a fresh visitation to naany, espe- 
cially the youth; but sometimes after this, I felt empty 
and poor, and yet felt a necessity to appoint meetmgs. 

In this state I was exercised to abide in the pure life 
of Truth, and in all my labours to watch diligently against 
the motions of self in my own mind. 

I have frequently felt a necessity to stand up, when the 
spring of the ministry was low, and to speak from the 
necessity, in that W'hich subjecteth the will of the crea- 
ture; and herein I w^as united with the suffering seed, 
and found inward sweetness in these mortifying labours. 

As I have been preserved in a watchful attention to the 
Divine Leader under these dispensations, enlargement at 
times hath followed, and the power of Truth hath risen 
higher in some meetings, than I ever knew" it before 
through me. 

Thus I have been more and more instructed as to the 
necessity of depending, not upon a concern which I felt 
in America, to come on a visit to England ; but upon 
the fresh instructions of Christ the Prince of peace, from 
day to day. 

Now^ of late, I felt a stop in the appointment of meet- 
ings, not wholly but in part ; and I do not feel liberty to 
appoint them so quickly one after another as I have here- 
tofore. 

The work of the ministry being a work of Divine love, 
I feel that the openings thereof are to be w^aited for in 
all our appointments. 

how deep is Divine wisdom ! Christ puts forth his 
ministers, and goeth before them ; and oh how great is 
the danger of departing from the pure feeling of that 
w^hich leadeth safelv ! 



208 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Christ knoweth the state of the people, and in the pure 
feeling of the Gospel ministry, their states are opened to 
his servants. 

Christ knoweth when the fruit-bearing branches them- 
selves have need of purging. 

Oh that these lessons maybe remembered by me! and 
that all who appoint meetings, may proceed in the pure 
feeling of duty. 

I have sometimes felt a necessity to stand up, but that 
spirit which is of the world hath so much prevailed in 
many, and the pure life of Truth has been so pressed 
down, that I have gone forward, not as one travelling in 
a rodd cast up and well prepared, but as a man w^alking 
through a miry place, in which are stones here and there, 
safe to step on ; but so situated that one step being taken, 
time is necessary to see where to step next. 

I tind that in the pure obedience, the mind learns con- 
tentment in appearing weak and foolish to that wisdom 
which is of the w^orld ; and in these lowly labours, they 
who stand in a low place, rightly exercised under the 
cross, wnll find nourishment. 

The gift is pure, and while the eye is single in attend- 
ing thereto, the understanding is preserved clear ; self is 
kept out ; and we rejoice in filling up that w^hich i ^mains 
of the afflictions of Christ, for his body's sake, m lich is 
the church. 

The natural man loveth eloquence, and many 1 »ve to 
hear eloquent orations ; and if there is not a can ul at- 
tention to the gift, men who have once laboured n the 
pure Gospel ministry, growing weary of suflerin , and 
ashamed of appearing weak, may kindle a fire, c( npass 
themselves about w^ith sparks and w^alk in the lig c, not 
of Christ who is under suffering, but of that fire, « Lich 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 209 

they going from the gift have kindled. And that in 
hearers which is gone from the meek suffering state into 
the worldly wisdom, may be warmed with this fire, and 
speak highly of these labours. That which is of God 
gathei-s to God ; and that which is of the world is owned 
by the world. 

In this journey a labour hath attended my mind, that 
the ministers amongst us may be preserved in the meek, 
feeling life of Truth, where we may have no desire, but 
to follow Christ and be with him ; that when he is under 
suffering we may suffer with him ; and never desire to 
rise up in dominion, but as he by the virtue of his own 
spirit may raise us. 



A few days after writing these considerations, our dear 
friend in the course of his religious visit, came to the city 
of York, and attended most of the sittings of the Quar- 
terly Meeting there ; but before it was over, w^as taken 
ill of the smallpox. Our friend Thomas Priestman and 
others who attended him, preserved the following min- 
utes of his expressions in the time of his sickness, and 
of his decease. 

First-day, the 27th of the ninth month, 1772. His 
disorder appeared to be the smallpox : being asked to 
have a doctor's advice, he signified he had not freedom 
or liberty in his mind so to do, standing wholly resigned 
to his will who gave him life, and whose power he had 
w^itnessed to raise and heal him in sickness before, when 
he seemed nigh unto death ; and if he was to wind up 
now, he was perfectly resigned, having no will either to 
live or die, and did not choose any should be sent for to 
him. But a young man an apothecary coming of his 

82 



210 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

own accord the next day, and desiring to do something 
for him, he said he found a freedom to confer with him 
and the other Friends about him, and if any thing should 
be proposed, as to medicine, that did not come through 
defiled channels or oppressive hands, he should be wil- 
ling to consider and take it, so far as he found freedom. 

Second- day. He said he felt the disorder to affect 
his head, so that he could think little, and but as a child ; 
and desired if his understanding should be more affected, 
to have nothing given him that those about him knew^ he 
had a testimony against. 

Third-day he uttered the following prayer. '' O Lord 
my God, the amazing horrors of darkness were gathered 
around me and covered me all over, and I saw no way 
to go forth. I felt the depth and extent of the misery of 
my fellow-creatures separated from the Divine harmony, 
and it w^as heavier than I could bear, and I was crushed 
down under it. I lifted up my hand, I stretched out my 
arm, but there was none to help me. I looked round 
about and was amazed. In the depths of misery, O 
Lord ! I remembered that thou art omnipotent, that I had 
called thee Father, and I felt that I loved thee, and I was 
made quiet in thy will, and I waited for deliverance from 
thee. Thou hadst pity upon me when no man could help 
me. I saw that meekness under suffering was showed 
to us in the most affecting example of thy Son, and thou 
taught me to follow him, and I said, thy w^ll O Father 
be done." 

Fourth-day morning, being asked how he felt himself, 
he meekly answered, I don't know that I have slept this 
night. 1 feel the disorder making its progress, but my 
mind is mercifully preserved in stillness and peace. — 
Sometime after he said he was sensible the pains of death 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 211 

must be hard to bear, but if he escaped them now, he 
must seme time pass through them, ^nd he did not know 
that he could be better prepared, bui had no will in it. 
He said he had settled his outward affairs to his mind, 
and had taken leave of his wife and family as never to 
return, leaving them to the Divine protection ; adding, 
" and though I feel them near to me at this time, yet I 
f eely give them up, having a hope that they will be pro- 
vided for." A little after he said, "This trial is made 
easier than I could have thought, my will being wholly 
taken away ; for if I was anxious for the event it would 
have been harder, but I am not, and my mind enjoys a 
perfect calm." 

In the night a young woman having given him some- 
thing to drink, he said, " My child thou seems very kind 
to me a poor creature, the Lord will reward thee for it." 
Awhile after he cried out with great earnestness of spirit, 
''Oh my Father! my Father!" and soon after he said, 
" Oh my Father! my Father! how comfortable art thou 
to my soul in this trying season." Being asked if he 
could take a little nourishment, after some pause he re- 
plied, '' My child I cannot tell what to say to it ; I seem 
nearly arrived where my soul shall have rest from all its 
troubles." After giving in something to be inserted in 
his Journal, he said, " I believe the Lord will now ex- 
cuse me from exercises of this kind. I see no work but 
one, which is to be the last wrought by me in this world ; 
the messenger will come that will release me from all 
these troubles ; but it must be in the Lord's time, which 
I am waiting for." He said he had laboured to do what- 
ever was required, according to the ability received, in 
the remembrance of which he had peace ; and thougli 
the disorder was strong at times, and would like a whin- 



212 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

wind come over his mind, yet it had hitherto been kept 
steady and centered in everlasting love; adding, ^' and 
if that be mercifully continued, I ask or desire no more.'' 
Another time he said, he had long had a view of visiting 
this nation, and sometime before he came had a dream, 
in which he saw himself in the northern parts of it, and 
that the spring of the Gospel was opened in him much 
as in the beginning of Friends, such as George Fox and 
William Dewsbury ; and he saw^the different states of the 
people, as clearly as he had ever seen flowers in a garden ; 
but in his going along he was suddenly stopped, though 
he could not see for what end ; but looking towards 
home, fell into a flood of tears which wakened him. 

At another time he said, '' my draught seemed strong- 
est towards the North, and I mentioned in my own 
Monthly Meeting, that attending the Quarterly Meeting 
at York, and being there looked like home to me." 

Fifth-day night, having repeatedly consented to take 
medicine with a view to settle his stomach, but without 
effect ; the Friend then waiting on him, said through dis- 
tress, What shall I do now ? He answered with great 
composure, <•' Rejoice ever more, and in every thing 
give thanks ;" but added a little after^ " this is sometimes 
hard to come at." 

Sixth-day morning early, he broke forth in supplica- 
tion on this wise, " O Lord, it was thy power that ena- 
bled me to forsake sin in my youth, and I have felt thy 
bruises for disobedience, but as I bowed under them 
thou healed me, continuing a father and a friend. I feel 
thy power now% and I beg that in the approaching trying 
moment thou wilt keep my heart steadfast unto thee." — ; 
Upon his giving directions to a friend concerning some 
little things, she said I will take care, but hope thou wilt 



LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 213 

live to order them thyself; he replied, "ray hope is in 
Christ, and though I may seem a little better, a change 
in the disorder may soon happen, and my little strength 
be dissolved, and if so it happens, I shall be gathered to 
my everlasting rest." On her saying she did not doubt 
that, but could not help mourning to see so many faith- 
ful servants removed at so low a time ; he said, " all 
good Cometh from the Lord, whose power is the same, 
and can work as he sees best." The same day he had 
given directions about wrapping his corpse ; and per- 
ceiving a Friend to w^eep, he said '^ I would rather thou 
wouldst guard against weeping for me, my sister ; I sor- 
row not, though I have had some painful conflicts, but 
now they seem over and matters well settled, and I look 
at the face of my dear Redeemer, for sweet is his voice 
and his countenance is comely." 

First-day, 4th of the tenth month, being very weak 
and in general difficult to be understood, he uttered a 
few words in commemoration of the Lord's goodness; 
and added, " how tenderly have I been waited on in this 
time of affliction, in which I may say in Job's words, 
^Tedious days and wearisome nights are appointed unto 
me ;' and how many are spending their time and money 
in vanity and superfluities, while thousands and tens of 
thousands w^ant the necessaries of life, who might be re- 
lieved by them, and their distresses at such a time as this, 
in some degree softened by the administering suitable 
things." 

Second-day morning, the apothecary who appeared 
very anxious to assist him, being present, he queried 
about the probability of such a load of matter being 
thrown off^ his weak body, and the apothecary making 
«ome remarks implying that he thought it might ; he 



214 LIFE OF JOHN WOOLMAN, 

spoke with an audible voice on this wise, '^ My depend* 
ence is on the Lord Jesus, who I trust will forgive my 
sins, which is all I hope for, and if it be his will to raise 
up this body again, I am content ; and if to die, I am 
resigned ; and if thou canst not be easy without trying 
to assist nature, I submit:" after which his throat was 
so much affected, that it was very difficult for him to 
speak so as to be understood, and he frequently wrote 
w^hen he wanted any thing. About the second hour on 
fourth-day morning he asked for pen and ink, and at 
several times with much difficulty wrote thus, <' I believe 
my being here is in the wisdom of Christ, I know not as 
to life or death." 

About a quarter before six o'clock the same morning 
he seemed to fall into an easy sleep, which continued 
about half an hour^ when seeming to aw^ake, he breathed 
a few times w^ith more difficulty, and expired without 
sigh, groan or struggle. 



BMD or THE JOURMAX*. 



CONSIDERATIONS 

ON THE KEEPING OF NEGROES; 

RECOMMENDED TO THE PROFESSORS OF CHRISTIANITY OF EVERl 
DENOMINATION. 

FIRST PRINTED IN THE YEAR 1754. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Customs generally approved, and opinions received 
by youth from their superiors, become like the natural 
produce of a soil, especially when they are suited to 
favourite inclinations : but as the judgments of God are 
without partiality, by which the state of the soul must be 
tried, it would be the highest w^isdom to forego customs 
and popular opinions, and try the measures of the soul 
by the infallible standard. Truth. 

Natural affection needs a careful examination ; operat- 
ing upon us in a soft manner, it kindles desires of love 
and tenderness, and there is danger of taking it for some- 
thing higher. To me it appears an instinct like that 
which inferior creatures have ; each of them, we see, by 
the ties of nature, love self best ; that which is a part of 
self, they love by the same tie or instinct. In them it in 
some measure does the offices of reason, by which, 
among other things, they watchfully keep and regularly 
feed their helpless offspring. Thus natural affection ap- 
pears to be a branch of self-love, good in the animal 

215 



216 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

race, and in us likewise, with proper limitations ; but 
Otherwise it is productive of evil, by exciting desires to 
promote some by means prejudicial to others. 

Our blessed Saviour seems to give a check to this 
irregular fondness in nature, and at the same time, a pre- 
cedent for us : <■(• Who is my mother, and who are my 
brethren ?" thereby intimating that the earthly ties of re- 
lationship are comparatively inconsiderable to such, who 
through a steady course of obedience, have come to the 
happy experience of the Spirit of God bearing witness 
with their spirits that they are his children : — <^ And he 
stretched forth his hands towards his disciples, and said, 
Behold my mother and my brethren : For whosoever 
shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, (ar- 
rives at the more noble part of true relationship) the same 
is my brother, and sister, and mother.'' 

This doctrine agrees w^ell with a state truly complete, 
where love necessarily operates according to the agree- 
ableness of things, on principles unalterable and in them- 
selves perfect. 

If endeavouring to have my children eminent amongst 
men after my death, be that which no reasons grounded 
on those principles can be brought to support ; then to 
be temperate in my pursuit after gain, and to keep 
always within the bounds of those principles, is an in- 
dispensable duty, and to depart from it, a dark unfruit- 
ful toil. 

In our present condition, to love our children is need- 
ful ; but except this love proceeds from the true heavenly 
principle w^hich sees beyond earthly treasures, it will 
rather be injurious than of any real advantage to them : 
where the fountain is corrupt, the streams must neces- 
sarily be impure. 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 217 

That important injunction of our Saviour, Matt, vi, 33, 
with the promise annexed, contains a short but compre- 
hensive view of our duty and happiness : — If then the 
business of mankind in this life, is first to seek another ; 
if this cannot be done but by attending to the means ; 
if a summary of the means is, not to do that to another 
which, in like circumstances, w^e would not have done 
unto us, then these are points of moment, and worthy of 
our most serious consideration. 

What I write on this subject is with reluctance, and 
the hints given are in as general terms as my concern 
would allow. I know it is a point about which, in all 
its branches, men that appear to aim well are not gene- 
rally agreed ; and for that reason I chose to avoid being 
very particular. If I may happily let drop any thing 
that may excite such as are concerned in the practice to 
a close thinking on the subject treated of, the candid 
amongst them may easily do the subject such further 
justice, as on an impartial inquiry it may appear to de- 
serve ; an i such an inquiry I would earnestly recom- 
mend. 



CONSIDERATIONS, &e. 



" Forasmuch as ye did it to the least of these my brethren, ye 
did it unto me.'^ — Matt, xxv, 40. 

As many times there are Hfferent motives to the same 
action ; and one does that from a generous heart, which 
another does for selfish ends ; the like may be said in 
this case. 

There are various circumstances among those that 
keep negroes, and different ways by which they fall 
under their care ; and I doubt not, there are many w^ell- 
disposed persons amongst them who desire rather to 
manage wisely and justly in this difficult matter, than to 
make gain of it. 

But the general disadvantage which these poor Afri- 
cans lie under in an enlightened Christian country, hav- 
ing often filled me with real sadness, and been like 
undigested matter on my mind, I now think it my duty, 
through Divine aid, to offer some thoughts thereon to the 
consideration of others. 

When we remember that all nations are of one blood, 
Gen. iii, 20, that in this world we are but sojourners, 
that w^e are subject to the like afflictions and infirmities 
of body, the like disorders and frailties in mind, the like 
temptations, the same death, and the same judgment, 
and that the all-wise Being is Judge and Lord over us 
all, ii seems to raise an idea of general brotherhood, anJ 
218 



CONSIDERATIONS, &C. 219 

a disposition easy to be touched with a feehng of each 
other's afflictions : but when we forget those things, and 
look chiefly at our outward circumstances, in this and 
some ages past, constantly retaining in our minds the 
distinction between us and them, with respect to our 
knowledge and improvement in things Divine, natural 
and artificial, our breasts being apt to be filled with fond 
notions of superiority, there is danger of erring in our 
conduct toward them. 

We allow them to be of the same species with our- 
selves ; the odds is, we are in a higher station, and en- 
joy greater favours than they. And when it is thus that 
our heavenly Father endoweth some of his children with 
distinguished gifts, they are intended for good ends ; 
but if those thus gifted are thereby lifted up above their 
brethren, not considering themselves as debtors to the 
weak, nor behaving themselves as faithful stewards, 
none who judge impartially can suppose them free from 
ingratitude. 

When a people dwell under the liberal distribution of 
favours from heaven, it behoves them carefully to inspect 
their ways, and consider the purposes for which those 
favours are bestowed, lest, through forgetfulness of God 
and misusing his gifts, they incur his heavy displeasure, 
whose judgments are just and equal, who exalteth and 
humbleth to the dust, as he seeth meet. 

It appears, by Holy Record, that men under high 
favours have been apt to err in tl eir opinions concern- 
ing others. Thus Israel, according to the description 
of the prophet, Isa. Ixv, 5, when exceedingly corrupted 
and degenerated, yet remembered they were the chosen 
people of God ; and could say, " Stand by thyself, come 
not near me, for I am holier than thou." That this was 



220 CONSIDERATIOKS ON 

no chance language, but their common opmion of othei 
people, more fully appears, by considering the circum- 
stances which attended when God was beginning to fulfil 
his precious promises concerning the gathering of the 
Gentiles. 

The Most High, in a vision undeceived Peter, first 
prepared his heart to believe, and at the house of Corne- 
lius showed him of a certainty, that God is no respecter 
of persons. 

The effusion of the Holy Ghost upon a people, with 
whom they, the Jew ish Christians would not so much as 
eat, was strange to them. All they of the circumcision 
were astonished to see it ; and the apostles and brethren 
of Judea contended with Peter about it, till he having 
rehearsed the whole matter, and fully shown that the 
Father's love was unlimited, they are thereat struck with 
admiration, and cry out, '' Then hath God also to the 
Gentiles granted repentance unto life." 

The opinion of peculiar favours being confined to 
them, was deeply rooted, or else the above instance had 
been less strange to them for these reasons : First, They 
w^ere generally acquainted with the WTitings of the proph- 
ets, by whom this time was repeatedly spoken of, and 
pointed at. Secondly, Our blessed Lord shortly before 
expressly said, <' I have other sheep not of this fold, them 
also must I bring," &c. Lastly, His words to them after 
his resurrection, at the very time of his ascension, '' Ye 
shall be witnesses to me, not only in Jerusalem, Judea, 
and Samaria, but to the uttermost parts of the earth." 

These concurring circumstances, one would think, 
might have raised a strong expectation of seeing such a 
time ; yet when it came, it proved matter of offence ^nd 
astonishment. 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 221 

To consider mankind otherwise than brethren, tc think 
favours are peculiar to one nation, and to exclude others, 
plainly supposes a darkness in the understanding: for as 
God's love is universal, so where the mind is sufficiently 
influenced by it, it begets a likeness of itself, and the 
heart is enlarged towards all men. Again, to conclude a 
people froward, perverse, and worse by nature than 
others, who ungratefully receive favours, and apply them 
to bad ends, will excite a behaviour toward them unbe- 
coming the excellence of true religion. 

To prevent such an error, let us calmly consider their 
circumstance: and the better to do it, make their case 
ours. Suppose then that our ancestors and we had been 
exposed to constant servitude, in the more servile and 
inferior employments of life ; that we had been destitute 
of the help of reading and good company; that amongst 
ourselves we had had but few wise and pious instructers ; 
that the religious amongst our superiors seldom took notice 
of us ; that while others in ease have plentifully heaped 
up the fruit of our labour, we had received barely enough 
to relieve nature ; and being wholly at the command of 
others, had generally been treated as a contemptible, 
ignorant part of mankind, should we in that case be less 
abject than they now^ are? Again, If oppression be so 
hard to bear, that a wise man is made mad by it, Eccl. 
vii, 7, then a series of oppressions altering the behaviour 
and manners of a people, is what may reasonably be 
expected. 

When our property is taken contrary to our mind, by 
means appearing to us unjust, it is only through Divine 
influence, and the enlargement of heart from thence pro- 
ceeding, that we can love our reputed oppressors. If 
the negroes fall short in this, an uneasy, if not a discon- 

t2 



222 CONSIDERATIONS ."^N 

solate disposition will be awakened, and remain like 
seeds in their minds, producing sloth and other habits 
which appear odious to us ; and with which, had they 
been free men, they would not perhaps have been charge- 
able. These and other circumstances rightly consider-ed, 
will lessen the too great disparity which some make be- 
tween us and them. 

Integrity of heart has appeared in some of them ; so 
that if we continue in the word of Christ (previous to 
discipleship, John viii, 31,) and our conduct towards 
them be seasoned with his love, we may hope to see the 
good effect of it. This, in a good degree, is the case 
w ith some into whose hands they have fallen ; but that 
too many treat them otherwise, not seeming conscious of 
any neglect, is alas ! too evident. 

When self-love presides in our minds, our opinions 
are biassed in our own favour; and in this condition, 
being concerned with a people so situated, that they have 
no voice to plead their own cause, there is danger of 
using ourselves to an undisturbed partiality, until by long 
custom, the mind becomes reconciled with it, and the 
judgment itself infected. 

To apply humbly to God for wisdom, that w^e may 
thereby be enabled to see things as they are, and as they 
ought to be, is very needful. Hereby the hidden things 
of darkness may be brought to light, and the judgment 
made clear: we shall then consider mankind as brethren. 
Though different degrees and a variety of qualifications 
and abilities, one dependant on another, be admitted, yet 
high thoughts will be laid aside, and all men treated as 
becometh the sons of one father, agreeably to the doc- 
trine of Christ Jesus. 

^' He hath laid down the best criterion, by which iran 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 223 

Rind ou^ht to judge of their own conduct, and others 
judge for them of theirs, one towards another, viz: 
^ Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do 
ye even so to them.' I take it, that all men by nature, 
are equally entitled to the equity of this rule, and under . 
the indispensable obligations of it. One man ought not 
to look upon another man or society of men, as so far 
beneath him, that he should not put himself in their 
place, in all his actions towards them, and bring all to 
this test, viz. How should I approve of this conduct, 
were I in their circumstance, and they in mine ?" 

This doctrine being of a moral unchangeable nature, 
hath been likewise inculcated in the former dispensation ; 
«^ If a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall 
not vex him ; but the stranger that dwelleth with you, 
shall be as one born amongst you, and thou shalt love 
him as thyself." Had these people come voluntarily and 
dwelt amongst us, to call them strangers would be pro- 
per ; and their being brought by force, with regret and a 
languishing mind, may well raise compassion in a heart 
rightly disposed: but there is nothing in such treatment, 
which upon a wise and judicious consideration, wall in 
any way lessen their right to be treated as strangers. If 
the treatment which many of them meet with, be rightly 
examined and compared with those precepts, '' Thou 
shalt not vex him nor oppress him ; he shall be as one 
born amongst you, and thou shalt love him as thyself," 
there will appear an important difference between them. 

It may be objected that there is the cost of purchase, 
and risk of their lives to those who possess them, and 
therefore it is needful that they make the best use of 
their time. In a practice just and reasonable, such ob- 
jections may have weight ; but if the work be wrong 



224 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

from the beginning, there is little or no force in them. 
If I purchase a man who has never forfeited his liberty, 
the natural right of freedom is in him ; and shall I keep 
him and his posterity in servitude and ignorance ? '' How 
should I approve of this conduct, were I in his circum- 
stances, and he in mine?" It may be thought, that to 
treat them as we would willingly be treated, our gain by 
them would be inconsiderable: and it were, in divers 
respects, better that there were none in our country. 

We may further consider, that they are now amongst 
us, and people of our nation w^ere the cause of theii 
being here; that whatsoever difficulty accrues thereon, 
we are justly chargeable with, and to bear all inconve- 
niences attending it wdth a serious and weighty concern 
of mind to do our duty by them, is the best w^e can do. 
To seek a remedy by continuing the oppression, because 
we have power to do it, and see others do it, w^ill, I 
apprehend, not be doing as w^e w^ould be done by. 

How deeply soever men are involved in difficulties, 
sincerity of heart, and upright walking before God, 
freely submitting to his providence, is the most sure re- 
medy. He only is able to relieve, not only persons but 
nations in their greatest calamities. 

David in a great strait, when the sense of his past 
error, and the full expectation of an impending calamity 
as the rew^ard of it w^ere united to aggravate his distress, 
after some deliberation, saith, ^' Let me fall now into the 
hand of the Lord, for very great are his mercies ; let me 
not fall into the hand of man." 

To act continually w^ith integrity of heart, above aU 
narrow or selfish motives, is a sure token of our being 
partakers of that salvation which ^'God hath appointed 
for walls and bulwarks," and is, beyond all contradic- 



THE KEEPING oF NEGROES. 225 

tion, a more happy situation than can ever be promised 
by the utmost reach of art and power united, not pro- 
ceeding from heavenly wisdom. 

A supply to nature's lawful wants, joined with a peace- 
ful humble mind, is the truest happiness in this life ; and 
if w^e arrive at this, and continue to walk in the path of 
the just, our case will be truly happy. Though herein 
we may part with, or miss of the glaring show of riches, 
and leave our children little else but wise instructions, a 
good example, and the knowledge of some honest em- 
ployment ; these, with the blessing of Providence, are 
sufficient for their happiness, and are more likely to prove 
so, than laying up treasures for them, w^hich are often 
rather a snare, than any real benefit ; especially to those, 
who instead of being exampled to temperance, are in all 
things taught to prefer the getting of riches, and to eye 
the temporal distinctions they give, as the principal bu- 
siness of this life. These readily overlook the true hap- 
piness of man, which results from the enjoyment of all 
things in the fear of God, and miserably substituting an 
inferior good, dangerous in the acquiring and uncertain 
in the fruition, they are subject to many disappointments, 
and every sweet carries its sting. 

It is the conclusion of our blessed Lord and his apos- 
tles, as appears by their lives and doctrines, that the 
highest delights of sense, or most pleasing objects visi- 
ble, ought ever to be accounted infinitely inferior to that 
real intellectual happiness, suited to man in his primitive 
innocence, and now to be found in true renovation of 
mind; and that the comforts of our present life, the 
things most grateful to us, ought always to be received 
with temperance, and never made the chief objects of 
rM;r desire, hope or love ; but that our whole heart and 



226 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

affections be principally looking to that ^' city, which 
hath foundations, whose maker and builder is God." Do 
we so improve the gifts bestow^ed on us, that our children 
might have an education suited to these doctrines, and 
our example to confirm it, we might rejoice in hopes of 
their being heirs of an inheritance incorruptible. 

This inheritance, as Christians, we esteem the most 
valuable ; and how then can we fail to desire it for our 
children? O that we were consistent with ourselves, in 
pursuing the means necessary to obtain it! 

It appears by experience, that where children are edu- 
cated in fulness, ease, and idleness, evil habits are more 
prevalent, than is common amongst such who are pru- 
dently employed in the necessary affairs of life. If chil- 
dren are not only educated in the way of so great tempt- 
ation, but have also the opportunity of lording it over 
their fellow-creatures, and being masters of men in 
their childhood, how can we hope otherwise than that 
their tender minds will be possessed with thoughts too 
high for them ; w^hich gaining strength by continuance, 
wdll prove like a slow current, gradually separating them 
from or keeping from acquaintance with that humility 
and meekness in which alone lasting happiness can be 
enjoyed. 

Man is born to labour, and experience abundantly 
showeth, that it is for our good: but where the power- 
ful lay the burthen on the inferior, without affording a 
Christian education, and suitable opportunity of improv- 
ing the mind, and a treatment which we, in their case^ 
should approve, in order that themselves may live at 
ease, and fare sumptuously, and lay up riches for their 
posterity, this seems to contradict the design of Provi- 
dence, and I doubt not, is sometimes the effect of a per- 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 221 

verted mind ; for while the life of one is made grievous 
by the rigour of another, it entails misery on both. 

Amongst the manifold works of Providence, displayet^ 
in the dirferent ages of the world, these which follow, 
with many others, may afford instruction. 

Abraham was called of God to leave his country and 
kindred, to sojourn amongst strangers. Through famine, 
and danger of death, he was forced to flee from one 
kingdom to another ; yet, at length, he not only had as- 
surance of being the father of many nations, but became 
a mighty prince. Genesis xxiii, 6. 

Remarkable were the dealings of God with Jacob in 
a low estate, the just sense he retained of them after his 
advancement, appears by his words : '^ I am not worthy 
of the least of all thy mercies." 

The numerous afflictions of Joseph are very singular ; 
the particular Providence of God therein, no less mani- 
fest : he at length became governor of Egypt, and famous 
for wisdom and virtue. 

The series of troubles which David passed through, 
few amongst us are ignorant of ; and yet he afterwards 
became as one of the great men of the earth. 

Some evidences of the Divine wisdom appear in those 
things, in that such who are intended for high stations, 
have first been very low and dejected, that Truth might 
be sealed on their hearts ; and that the characters there 
imprinted by bitterness and adversity, might in after years 
remain, suggesting compassionate ideas, and in their 
prosperity, quicken their regard to those in the like con- 
dition. This yet further appears in the case of Israel ; 
who were well acquainted with grievous sufferings, a 
long and rigorous servitude ; and then through many 
notable events, were made chief amongst the nations. 



228 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

To them we find a repetition of precepts to the purpose 
abpvesaid : though for ends agreeable to infinite wisdom, 
they were chosen as a peculiar people for a time ; yet 
the Most High acquaints them, that his love is not con- 
fined, but extends to the stranger ; and to excite their 
compassion, reminds them of times past, ''Ye were 
strangers in the land of Eg^pt." Again, '' Thou shalt 
not oppress a stranger, for ye know the heart of a stran- 
ger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." 

If w^e call to mind our beginning, some of us may find 
a time, wherein our fathers were under afflictions, re- 
proaches, and manifold sufferings. 

Respecting our progress in this land, the time is short 
since our beginning was small and number few, com- 
pared with the native inhabitants. He that sleeps not 
by day nor night, hath watched over us, and kept us as 
the apple of his eye. His Almighty arm hath been 
round about us, and saved us from dangers. 

The wilderness and solitary deserts in which oui 
fathers passed the days of their pilgrimage, are now 
turned into pleasant fields ; the natives are gone from 
before us, and we established peaceably in the posses- 
sion of the land, enjoying our civil and religious liberties; 
and while many parts of the world have groaned undei 
the heavy calamities of war, our habitation remains quiet, 
and our land fruitful. 

When we trace back the steps we have trodden, and 
see how^ the Lord hath opened a way in the wilderness 
for us, to the wise it will easily appear, that all this was 
not done to be buried in oblivion; but to *piepare a 
people for more fruitful returns, and the remembrance 
thereof ought to humble us in prosperity, and excite in 
us a Christian benevolence towards our inferiors. 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 229 

It we do not consider these things aright, but through 
a stupid indolence, conceive views of interest separate 
from the general good of the great brotherhood, and in 
pursuance thereof, treat our inferiors with rigour to in- 
crease our wealth, and gain riches for our children ; 
<' What then shall we do when God riseth up ? and when 
he visiteth, what shall we answer him ? did not he tha* 
made us, make them ? and did not one fashion us ?" 

To our great Master we stand or fall, to judge or con- 
demn us as is most suitable to his M^sdom or authority 
my inclination 4s to persuade, and entreat, and simply 
give hints of my way of thinking. 

If the Christian religion be considered, both respecting 
its doctrines, and the happy influence which it hath on 
the minds and manners of all real Christians, it looks 
reasonable to think, that the miraculous manifestation 
thereof to the world, is a kindness beyond expression. 

Are we the people thus favoured? Are we they 
whose minds are opened, influenced, and governed by 
the Spirit of Christ, and thereby made sons of God ? Is 
it not a fair conclusion, that we, like our heavenly 
Father, ought in our degree to be active in the same 
great cause, of the eternal happiness of, at least our whole 
fa.mi!ies, and more, if thereto capacitated ? 

If we, by the operation of the Spirit of Christ, become 
heirs w^ith him in the kingdom of his Father, and are re- 
deemed from the alluring counterfeit joys of this world, 
and the joy of Christ remain in us, to suppose that one 
in this happy condition, can, for the sake of earthly 
riches, not only deprive his fellow-creatures of the sweet- 
ness of freedom, which rightly used, is one of the great- 
est temporal blessings, but therewith neglect using proper 
means for their acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures, 

V 



230 CONSIDERATIOXS ON 

And the advantage of true religion, seems at least a con- 
.tradiction to reason. 

Whoever rightly advocates the cause of some, thereby 
promotes the good of all. The state of mankind was 
harmonious in the beginning, and though sin hath intro- 
duced discord, yet through the wonderful love of God 
in Christ Jesus our Lord, the way is open for our re- 
demption, and means appointed to restore us to primitive 
harmony. That if one suffer by the unfaithfulness of 
another, the mind, the most noble part of him that occa- 
sions the discord, is thereby alienated from its true and 
real happiness. 

Our duty and intere^st are inseparably united, and when 
we neglect or misuse our talents, we necessarily depart 
from the heavenly fellowship, and are in the way to the 
greatest of evils. 

Therefore to examine and prove ourselves, to find 
what harmony the power presiding in us bears with the 
Divine nature, is a duty not more incumbent and neces- 
sary, than it would be beneficial. 

In Holy Writ the Divine Being saith of himself, '^ I 
am the Lord, which exercise loving-kindness, judgment 
and righteousness in the earth ; for in these things I de- 
light, saith the Lord." Again, speaking in the w^ay of 
man, to show his compassion to Israel, whose wicked- 
ness had occasioned a calamity, and then being humbled 
under it, it is said, ''His soul was grieved for their 
miseries." If w^e consider the life of our blessed Sa- 
viour when on earth, as it is recorded by his followers, 
we shall find that one uniform desire for the eternal and 
temporal good of mankind, discovered itself in all his 
actions. 

If we observe men, both apostles and others, in man:^ 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 231 

ditferent ages, who have really come to the unity of the 
Spirit, and the fellowship of the saints, there still appears 
the like disposition, and in them the desire for the real 
happiness of mankind, has out-balanced the desire of 
ease, liberty, and many times, of life itself. 

If upon a true search, we find that our natures are so 
far renewed, that to exercise righteousness and loving- 
kindness, according to our ability, towards all men, 
without respect of persons, is easy to us, or is our de- 
light ; if our love be so orderly and regular, that he who 
doeth the will of our Father who is in heaven, appears 
in our view^ to be our nearest relation, our brother, and 
sister, and mother ; if this be our case, there is a good 
foundation to hope, that the blessing of God will sweeten 
our treasures during our stay in this life, and that our 
memory will be savoury, when we are entered into rest. 

To conclude. It is a truth most certain, that a life 
guided by wisdom from above, agreeably with justice, 
equity and mercy, is throughout consistent and amiable, 
and truly beneficial to society ; the serenity and calmness 
of mind in it, affords an unparalleled comfort in this life, 
and the end of it is blessed. 

And it is no less true, that they w^ho in the midst of 
high favours remain ungrateful, and under all the advan- 
tages that a Christian can desire, are selfish, earthly and 
sensual, do miss the true fountain of happiness, and 
wander in a maze of dark anxiety, where all their trea- 
sures are insufficient to quiet their minds : hence from 
an insatiable craving, they neglect doing good with what 
they have acquired, and too often add oppression to 
vanity, that they may ompass more. 

'' that they were wise, that they understood this, 
that they would consider their latter end !" 



CONSIDERATIONS 

ON THE KEEPING OF NEGROES; 

HECOMMENDED TO THE PROFESSORS OF CHRISTIANITV OF EYCRT 
DENOMINATION. 



PART THE SECOND. 



FIRST PRINTED IN THE YEAR 176 2. 

"Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear 
the small as well as the great : ye shall not be afraid ol the face 
of man : for the judgment is God's." Deut. i, 17. 



PREFACE. 

All our actions are of like nature with their root ; and 
the Most High weigheth them more skilfully than men 
can weigh them one for another. 

I believe that one Supreme Being made and supports 
the world ; nor can I worship any other Deity without 
being an idolater, and guilty of wickedness. 

Many nations have believed in and worshipped a plu- 
rality of deities ; but I do not believe they were therefore 
all wicked. Idolatry indeed is wickedness ; but it is the 
thing, not the name, which is so. Real idolatry is to pay 
that adoration to a creature, which is known to be due 
only to the true God. 

He who professeth to believe in one Almighty Creator, 
232 



CONSIDERATIONS, &C. 233 

and in his Son Jesus Christ, and yet is more intent on 
the honours, profits and friendships of the world, than he 
is in singleness of heart to stand faithful to the Christian 
religion, is in the channel of idolatry; while the Gentile, 
who under some mistaken opinions, is notwithstanding 
established in the true principle of virtue, and humbly 
adores an Almighty power, may be of that number who 
fear God and work righteousness. 

I believe the bishop of Rome assumes a powder that 
does not belong to any officer in the church of Christ ; and 
if I should knowingly do any thing tending to strengthen 
him in that capacity, it woiild be great iniquity. There 
are many thousands of people, who by their profession 
acknowledge him to be the representative of Jesus Christ 
on earth ; and to say that none of them are upright in 
heart, would be contrary to my sentiments. 

Men who sincerely apply their minds to true virtue, 
and find an inward support from above, by w^hich all 
vicious inclinations are made subject; that they love God 
sincerely, and prefer the real good of mankind universally 
to their own private interest ; though these through the 
strength of education and tradition, may remain under 
some speculative and great errors, it w^ould be uncharit- 
able to say, that therefore God rejects them. He who 
creates, supports and gives understanding to all men, 
possesses knowledge and goodness superior to the various 
cases and circumstances of his creatures, which to us ap- 
pear the most difficult. 

The apostles and primitive Christians did not censure 
all the Gentiles as wdcked men, Rom. ii, 14 ; Col. iii, 11 ; 
but as they were favoured w4th a gift to discern things 
more clearly, respecting the worship of the true God, 
they with much firmness declared agairst the worshipping 

u 2 



234 CONSIDERATIONS, &C. 

of idols, and with true patience endured many sufferings 
on that account. 

Great numbers of faithful Protestan-ts have contendea 
for the Truth, in opposition to papal errors ; and with 
crue fortitude laid down their lives in the conflict, without 
saying, that no man was saved who made profession of 
that religion. 

While we have no right to keep men as servants for 
term of life, but that of superior power ; to do this with 
design to profit ourselves and our families by their labour, 
I believe is wrong ; but I do not believe that all who have 
kept slaves, have therefore been chargeable with guilt. 
If their motives thereto were free from selfishness, and 
their slaves contented, they were a sort of freemen; 
which I believe hath sometimes been the case. 

Whatever a man does in the spirit of charity, to him it 
is not sin : and while he lives and acts in this spirit, he 
learns all things essential to his happiness as an individ- 
ual : and if he doth not see that any injury or injustice 
to any other person, is necessarily promoted by any part 
of his form of government, I believe the merciful Judge 
will not lay iniquity to his charge. Yet others, who live 
in the same spirit of charity, from a clear convincement, 
may see the relation of one thing to another, and the 
necessary tendency of each ; and hence it may be abso- 
lutely binding on them to desist from seme parts of con« 
duct, which some good men have been in. 



CONSIDERATIONS, &c. 



As some in most religious societies amongst the Eng- 
lish are concerned in importing or purchasing the in- 
habitants of Africa as slaves ; and as the professors of 
Christianity of several other nations do the like ; these 
circumstances tend to make people less apt to examine 
the practice as closely as they would, if such a thing had 
not been, but was now proposed to be entered upon. It 
is however our duty, and what concerns us individually, 
as creatures accountable to our Creator, to employ rightly 
the understanding which he hath given us, in humbly 
endeavouring to be acquainted with his w'ill concerning 
us, and w^ith the nature and tendency of those things 
w^hich we practise. For as justice remains to be justice, 
so many people of reputation in the world, joining with 
WTong things, does not excuse others in joining with 
them, nor make the consequence of their proceedings 
less dreadful in the final issue, than it would otherwise be. 

Where unrighteousness is justified from one age to 
another, it is like dark matter gathering into clouds over 
us. We may know that this gloom will remain till the 
cause be removed by a reformation, or a change of times, 
and may feel a desire from a love of equity, to speak on 
the occasion ; yet where error is so strong, that it may 
not be spoken against without a prospect of some incon- 
venience to the speaker, this difficulty is likely to operate 
on our w^eakness, and quench the good desires in us ; 

235 



236 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

except we dwell so steadily under the weight of it, as to 
be made willing to '' endure hardness" on that account. 

Where men exert their talents against vices which are 
generally accounted such, the ill eflects whereof are pre- 
' sently perceived in a government, all men who regard 
their own temporal good, are likely to approve the work. 
But when that which is inconsistent with perfect equity, 
has the law or the countenance of the great in its favour, 
though the tendency thereof be contrary to the true hap- 
piness of mankind, in an equal if not greater degree, than 
many things accounted reproachful to Christians ; yet as 
these ill effects are not generally perceived, they who la- 
bour to dissuade from such things, which people believe 
accord with their interest, have many difficulties to en- 
counter. 

The repeated charges which God gave to his prophets, 
imply the danger they were in of erring on this hand. 
" Be not afraid of their faces; for I am w^ith thee, to de- 
liver thee, saith the Lord." '^ Speak all the words that 
I command thee to speak to them ; diminish not a word." 
'' And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor dis- 
mayed at their looks. Speak my words to them, whether 
they will hear or forbear." 

Under an apprehension of duty, I offer some further 
considerations on this subject, having endeavoured some 
years to consider it candidly. I have observed people 
of our own colour, whose abilities have been inadequate 
to manage the affairs which relate to their convenient 
subsistence, who have been taken care of by others, and 
the profit of such work as they could do, applied toward 
their support. I believe there are such amongst negroes; 
and that some people in whose hands they are, keep 
them with no view of outward profit, do not consider 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 237 

them as black men, who as such ought to serve white 
men ; but account them persons who have need of guard- 
ians, and as such take care of them : yet where equal 
care is taken in all parts of their education, I do not 
apprehend cases of this sort are likely to occur more 
frequently amongst one sort of people than another. 

It looks to me that the slave trade was founded, and 
has generally been carried on in a wrong spirit ; that the 
effects of it are detrimental to the real prosperity of our 
country ; and will be more so, except we cease from the 
common motives of keeping them, and treat them in 
future agreeably to Truth and pure justice. 

Negroes may be imported, who for their cruelty to 
their countrymen, and the evil disposition of their minds, 
maybe unfit to be at liberty; and if we as lovers of 
righteousness undertake the management of them, we 
should have a full and clear knowledge of their crimes, 
ajid of those circumstances which might operate in their 
favour ; but the difficulty of obtaining this is so great, 
that we have great reason to be cautious therein. But 
should it plainly appear that absolute subjection is a con- 
dition the most proper for the person who is purchased, 
yet the innocent children ought not to be made slaves, 
because their parents sinned. 

We have an account in Holy Scripture of some fami- 
lies suffering, where mention is only made of the heads of 
the family committing wickedness ; and it is likely that 
the degenerate Jew^s, misunderstanding some occurrences 
of this kind, took occasion to charge God with being un- 
equal ; so that a saying became common, «' The Fathers 
have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set 
on edge." Jeremiah and Ezekiel, two of the inspired 
prophets, who lived near the same time, were concerned 



238 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

to correct this error. Ezekiel is large on the subject.— 
First, he reproves ':hem for their error. " What mean 
ye, that ye do so." '' As I live, saith the Lord God, ye 
shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in 
Israel." The words, '' any more," have reference to 
time past ; intimating, that though they had not rightly 
understood some things they had heard or seen, and 
thence supposed the proverb to be well grounded ; yet 
henceforth they might know of a certainty, that the ways 
of God are all equal ; that as surely as the Most High 
liveth, so surely men are only answerable for their own 
sins. He thus sums up the matter, '' The soul that sin- 
neth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity 
of the father ; neither shall the father bear the iniquity of 
the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be 
upon him ; and the wickedness of the wicked shall be 
upon him." 

Where men are wicked, they commonly are a means . 
of corrupting the succeeding age ; and thereby hasten 
those outward calamities which fall on nations, when 
their iniquities are full. 

Men may pursue means which are not agreeable to 
perfect purity, with a view to increase the wealth and 
happiness of their offspring, and thereby make the way 
of virtue more difficult to them. And though the ill ex- 
ample of a parent, or of a multitude, does not excuse 
a man in doing evil, yet the mind being early impressed 
with vicious notions and practices, and nurtured up in 
ways of getting treasure, which are not the ways of Truth ; 
this wrong spirit first getting possession, and being thus 
strengthened, frequently prevents a due attention to the 
true spirit of wisdom, so that they exceed in wickedness 
those who lived before them. And in this channel. 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 239 

though parents labour, as they think, to forward the hap- 
piness of their children, it proves a means of forwarding 
their calamity. This being the case in the age next be- 
fore the grievous calamity in the siege of Jerusalem, and 
carrying Jadah captive to Babylon, they might say with 
propriety, This came upon us, because our fathers for- 
sook God, and because we did worse than our fathers. 
See Jer. vii, 26. 

As the generation next before them inwardly turned 
away from God, w^ho yet waited to be gracious ; and as 
they in that age continued in those things which neces- 
sarily separated from perfect goodness, growing more 
stubborn till the judgments of God were poured out 
upon them ; they might properly say, " Our fathers have 
sinned, and we have borne their iniquities." And yet, 
wicked as their fathers were, had they not succeeded 
them in their wickedness, they had not borne their in- 
iquities. 

To suppose it right, that an innocent man shall at this 
day be excluded from the common rules of justice ; be 
deprived of that liberty which is the natural right of hu- 
man creatures, and be a slave to others during life, on 
account of a sin committed by his immediate parents ; or 
a sin committed by Ham, the son of Noah ; is a supposi- 
tion too gross to be admitted into the mind of any per- 
son, who sincerely desires to be governed by just and 
solid principles. 

It is alleged in favour of the practice, that Joshua made 
slaves of the Gibeonites. 

What men do by the command of God, and what 
comes to pass as a consequence of their neglect, are 
different ; the case now mentioned was such as the latter. 

It was the express command of the Almighty to Israel, 



240 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

concerning the inhabitants of the promised land, <*Thou 
shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods: 
they shall not dwell in thy land." Those Gibeonites 
came craftily, telling Joshua that they were come from a 
far country ; that their elders had sent them to make a 
league with the people of Israel ; and as an evidence of 
their being foreigners, showed their old clothes, &c. — 
<' And the men took of their victuals, and asked not 
counsel at the mouth of the Lord ; and Joshua made 
peace with them, and made a league w^ith them, to let 
them live; and the princes svvare to them." 

When the imposition was discovered, the congregation 
murmured against the princes : '' But all the princes said 
to all the congregation, we have sworn to them by the 
Lord God of Israel ; now therefore we may not touch 
them ; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us ; 
but let them be hewers of w^ood and drawers of w^ater 
unto the congregation." 

Omitting to ask counsel, involved them in great diffi- 
culty. The Gebonites were of those cities, of which the 
Lord said, '^ Thou shalt save alive nothing that breath- 
eth ;" and of the stock of the Hivites, concerning whom 
he commanded by name, ^^ Thou shalt smite them, and 
utterly destroy them : Thou shalt make no covenant wdth 
them, nor show mercy unto them." Joshua and the 
princes not knowing them, had made a league with them 
to let them live ; and in this strait they resolved to make 
-them servants. Joshua and the princes suspected them 
to be deceivers: '^ Peradventure you dw^ell amongst us: 
and how shall w^e make a league with you ?" Which 
w^ords show that they remembered the command before- 
mentioned ; and yet did not inquire at the mouth of the 
Lord, as Moses directed Joshua, when he gave him a 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 241 

charge res^^ecting his duty as chief man among that peo- 
ple, Numb, xxvii, 21. By this omission things became 
so situated, that Joshua and the princes could not exe- 
cute the judgments of God on them, without violating 
the oath which they had made. 

Moses did amiss at the waters of Meribah, and doubt- 
less he soon repented ; for the Lord was with him. And 
it is likely that Joshua was deeply humbled, under a 
sense of his omission ; for it appears that God continued 
him in his office, and spared the lives of those people, 
for the sake of the league and oath made in his name. 

The wickedness of these people was great, and they 
were worthy to die, or perfect justice had not passed 
sentence of death upon them ; and as their execution 
was prevented by this league and oath, they appear to 
have been contented to be servants: ^' As it seemeth 
good and right unto thee to do unto us, do." 

These criminals, instead of death, had the sentence of 
servitude pronounced on them, in these words, '^ Now 
therefore ye are cursed ; and there shall none of you be 
freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and 
drawers of water for the house of my God." 

We find, Deut. xx, 10, that there were chies far dis- 
tant from Canaan, against which Israel went to battle, 
unto whom they were to proclaim peace, and if the in- 
habitants made answer of peace, and opened their gates, 
they were not to destroy them, but make them tributaries. 

The children of Israel w^ere then the Lord's host, and 
executioners of his judgments on people hardened in 
wickedness. They were not to go to battle, but by his 
appointment. The men who were chief in his army, had 
their instructions from the Almighty ; sometimes imme- 
diately, and sometimes by the ministry of angels. Of 

V 



\ 



242 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

these amongst others, were Moses, Joshua, Othniel and 
Gideon ; see Exod. iii, 2, and xviii, 19 ; Josh, v, 13. — 
These people far off from Canaan, against whom Israel 
was sent to battle, were so corrupt, that the Creator of 
the universe saw^ it good to change their situation ; and 
in case of their opening their gates, and coming under 
tribute, this their subjection, though probably more mild 
than absolute slavery, was to last little or no longer than 
while Israel remained in the true spirit of government. 

"^^ was pronounced by Moses the prophet, as a conse- 
quence or their wickedness, '' The stranger that is whhin 
thee shall get above thee very high ; and thou shalt come 
down very low: he shall be the head, and thou the tail." 

This we find in some measure verified in their being 
made tributaries to the Moabites, Midianites, Amorites 
and Philistines. 

It is alleged in favour of the practice of slave-keeping, 
that the Jews by their law made slaves of the heathen. 
«' Moreover, of the children of the strangers that do so- 
journ amongst you, of them shall ye buy, and of their 
children which are with you, which they begat in your 
land ; and they shall be your possession ; and you shall 
take them as an inheritance for your children after you, 
to inherit them as a possession, they shall be your bond- 
men for ever." It is dfficult for us to have a certain 
knowledge of the mind of Moses, in regard to keeping 
slaves, in any other way than by looking upon him a.s a 
true servant of God, whose mind and conduct were re^j- 
ulated by an inward principle of justice and equity.— 
To admit a supposition that he in that case was drawn 
from perfect equity by the alliance of outward kindred, 
would be to disown his authority. 

Abraham had servants born in his house, aad be jght 



THl KEEPING OF NEGROES. 243 

w^.th his money : '' And the Almighty said of Abraham, 
I know him, that he will order his house after him ;" 
which implies, that he was as a father, an instructer, and 
a good governor of his people. Moses, considered as a 
man of God, must necessarily have had a prospect of 
some real advantage in the strangers and heathens being 
servants to the Israelites for a time. 

As mankind had received and established many erro- 
neous and hurtful customs, their living and conversing 
with the Jews, while the Jews stood faithful to their 
principles, might be helpful to remove those errors, and 
reform their manners. But for men, with private views, 
to assume an absolute power over the persons and proper- 
ties of others, and to continue it from ao-e to aofe in the 
line of natural generation, without regard to the virtues 
or vices of their successors, as it is manifestly contrary 
to true universal love, and attended with great evils, it 
requires the clearest evidence to beget a belief in us, that 
Moses intended that the strangers should be such slaves 
to the Jews. 

He directed them to buy strangers and sojourners. 
It appears that there were strangers in Israel who were 
free men ; and considering with what tenderness and 
humanity the Jews, by their law, were obliged to use 
their servants, and w^hat care was to be taken to instruct 
them in the true religion, it is not unlikely that some 
strangers in poverty and distress were willing to enter 
into bonds to serve the Jews as long as they lived ; and 
in such case the Jews, by their law, had a right to their 
service during life. 

When the awl was bored through the ear of the He- 
brew servant, the text saith, «' He shall serve forever;" 
yet we do not suppose that by the word "for ever," it 



S44 CONSIDERATIONS ON . 

was intended that none of his posterity should aftenv^arda 
be free. When it is said in regard to the strangers which 
they bought, '' They shall be your possession," it may 
be well understood to mean only the persons so pur- 
^;hased ; all that precedes relates to buying them, and 
what follows to the continuance of their service ; '^ You 
shall take them as an inheritance to your children after 
you; they shall be your bondmen for ever." It may be 
well understood to stand limited to those they purchased. 

Moses directing Aaron and his sons to wash their 
hands and feet, when they went into the tabernacle of 
the congregation, saith, " It shall be a statute for ever to 
them, even to him and his seed throughout all genera- 
tions." And to express the continuance of the law, it 
was his common language, '' It shall be a statute forever 
throughout your generations." So that had he intended 
the posterity of the strangers so purchased to continue in 
slavery to the Jews, it looks likely that he would have 
used some terms clearly to express it. The J^ws un- 
doubtedly had slaves, whom they kept as such from one 
age to another ; but that this was agreeable to the genuine 
design of their inspired law-giver, is far from being a 
clear case. 

Making constructions of the law contrary to the true 
meaning of it, was common amongst that people. Sam- 
uel's sons took bribes, and perverted judgment. Isaiah 
complained that they justified the wicked for reward. 
Zephaniah, contemporary with Jeremiah, on account of 
the injustice of the civil magistrates, declared that those 
judges were evening wolves ; and that the priests did 
violence to the law. 

Jeremiah acquaints us that the priests cried peace, 
peace, when there was m peace ; by which means the 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 245 

people grew bold in their wickedness ; and having com- 
mitted abominations, were not ashamed; but through 
wrong constructions of the law, they justified themselves, 
and boastingly said, ^' We are wise; and the law of the 
Lord is with us." These corruptions continued till the 
days of our Saviour, who told the Pharisees, " You have 
made the commandrtient of God of none effect through 
your tradition." 

Thus it appears that they corrupted the law^ of Moses ; 
nor is it unlikely that among many others this was one ; 
for oppressing the strangers was a heavy charge against 
the Jews, and very often strongly represented by the 
Lord's faithful prophets. 

That the liberty of man was, by the inspired law-giver 
esteemed precious, appears in this ; that such who un- 
justly deprived men of it, were to be punished in like 
manner as if they had murdered them. '' He that steal- 
eth a man, and selleth him ; or if he be found in his 
hand, shall surely be put to death." This part of the 
law was so considerable, that Paul the learned Jew, giving 
a brief account of the uses of the law^, adds this, ^' It 
was made for men-stealers." 

The great men amongst that people were exceedingly 
oppressive ; and it is likely exerted their whole strength 
and influence, to have the law construed to suit their 
turns. The honest servants of the Lord had heavy work 
with them in regard to their oppression ; a few^ instances 
follow. '^ Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of 
Israel, amend your ways and your doings, and I will 
cause you to dwell in this place. If you thoroughly ex- 
ecute judgment between a man and his neighbour ; if 
you oppress not the stranger, the fatherless and the 
widow; aoi shed not innocent blood in this pLice; 

v2 



246 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

neither walk after other gods to your hurt, then will I 
cause you to dwell in this place." Again, this me^sag^. 
was sent not only to the inferior ministers of justice, but 
also to the chief ruler. ^' Thus saith the Lord, go down 
to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this 
word; execute ye judgment and righteousness, and de- 
liver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor; and 
do no wrong ; do no violence to the stranger, the father- 
less and the widow ; neither shed innocent blood in this 
place." Then adds, "That in so doing they should 
prosper; but if ye will not hear these words, I swear by 
myself, saith the Lord, that this house shall become a 
desolation." 

The king, the .princes, and rulers were agreed in op- 
pression before the Babylonish captivity ; for whatever 
courts of justice were retained amongst them, or however 
they decided matters between men of estates, it is plain 
that the cause of the poor w^as not judged in equity. 

It appears that the great men amongst the Jews were 
fully resolved to have slaves, even of their own brethren, 
Jer. xxxiv. Notwithstanding the promises and threaten- 
ings of the Lord, by the prophet, and their solemn co- 
venant to set them free, confirmed by the imprecation of 
passing between the parts of a calf cut in tw^ain ; inti- 
mating by that ceremony, that on breach of the covenant, 
it were just for their bodies to be so cut in pieces, yet 
after all, they held fast to their old custom, and called 
home the servants whom they had set free. " And ye 
were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in 
proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbour ; and ye 
had made a covenant before me, in the house which is 
called by my name, but ye turned and polluted my name, 
and caused every man his servant, whom he had set a* 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 247 

liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into 
subjection, to be unto you for servants, and for hand- 
maids : therefore thus saith the Lord, ye have not heark- 
ened unto me in proclaiming hberty every one to his 
neighbour, and every one to his brother. Behold, I 
proclaim liberty to you, saith the Lord, to the sword, to 
the pestilence, and to the famine ; and I will make you 
to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth. The 
men who transgressed my covenant which they made, 
and passed between the parts of the calf, I will give into 
the hands of their enemies, and their dead bodies shall 
be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts 
of the earth." 

Soon after this their city was taken and burnt; the 
king's sons and the princes slain ; and the king, with 
the chief men of his kingdom, carried captive to Baby- 
lon. Ezekiel, prophesying the retur-n of that people to 
their own land, directs, '^ Ye shall divide the land by lot, 
for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangei-s that 
sojourn amongst you ; in what tribe the stranger sojourns, 
there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord 
God." Nor is this particular direction, and the authority 
with which it is enforced, without a tacit implication, 
that their ancestors had erred in their conduct towards 
the stranger. 

Some who keep slaves, have doubted as to the equity 
of the practice ; but as they knew men, noted for theii 
piety, who were in it, this, they say, has made their 
minds easy. 

To lean on the example of men in doubtful cases, is 
difficult : for only admit, that those men were not faithful 
and upright to the highest degree, but that in some par- 
ticular case they erred, and it may follow that this one 



248 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

case was the same, about which we are in doubt; and 
to quiet our minds by their example, may be dangerous 
to ourselves ; and continuing in it, prove a stumbling* 
block to tender-minded people who succeed us, in like 
manner as their examples are to us. 

But supposing charity was their only motive, and they 
not foreseeing the tendency of paying robbers for their 
booty, were not justly under the imputation of being 
partners with a thief, Prov. xxix, 24, but were really in- 
nocent in what they did, are we assured that we keep 
them w^th the same views they kept them ? If we keep 
them from no other motive than a real sense of duty, 
and true charity governs us in all our proceedings toward 
them, we are so far safe : but if another spirit, which 
inclines our minds to the w^ays of this world, prevails 
upon us, and we are concerned for our own outward 
gain more than for their real happiness, it will avail us 
nothing that some good men have had the care and 
management of negroes. 

Since mankind spread upon the earth, many have been 
the revolutions attending the several families, and their 
customs and ways of life different from each other. This 
diversity of manners, though some are preferable to 
others, operates not in favour of any, so far as to justify 
them to do violence to innocent men ; to bring them 
from their own into another way of life. The mind, 
when moved by a principle of true love, may feel a 
warmth of gratitude to the universal Father, and a lively 
sympathy with those nations where Divine Light has heev 
less manifest. 

This desire for their real good may beget a willingness 
to undergo hardships for their sakes, that the true know- 
ledge of God may be spread amongst them: but to take 



THt KEEPING OF NEGROES. 249 

liiem from their own land, with views of profit to our* 
selves, by means inconsistent with pure justice, is foreign 
to that principle which seeks the happiness of the whole 

. creation. Forced subjection, of innocent persons of full 
age, is inconsistent with right reason ; on one side, the 
human mind is not naturally fortified with that firmness 
in wisdom and goodness, necessary to an independent 
ruler ; on the other side, to be subject to the uncontrolled 

, will of a man liable to err, is most painful and afflicting 
to a conscientious creature. 

It is our happiness faithfully to serve the Divine Being 
who made us : his perfection makes our service reason- 
able ; but so long as men are biassed by narrow self-love, 
so long they are unfit for absolute power over other men. 
Men, taking on them the government of others, may 
intend to govern reasonably, and make their subjects 
more happy than they would otherwise be ; but as abso- 
lute command belongs only to him who is perfect, where 
frail men, in their own wills, assume such command, it 
hath a direct tendency to vitiate their minds, and make 
them more unfit for government. 

Placing on men the ignominious title of slave, dressing 
them in uncomely garments, keeping them to servile la- 
bour, in which they are often dirty, tends gradually to 
fix a notion in the mind, that they are a sort of people 
below us in nature, and leads us to consider them as 
such in all our conclusions about them. And moreover, 
where a person who is mean and contemptible in our 
esteem, uses language or behaviour tow^ard us which is 
unseemly or disrespectful, it excites wrath more power- 
fully than the like conduct in one whom w^e account our 
equal or superior ; and w^here this happens to be the case, 
it disqualificF for candid judgment ; for it is unfit for a 



250 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

person to sit as judge in a case where his own persona. • 
resentments are stirred up ; and as members of society 
in a well-framed government, we are mutually dependent. 
Present interest incites to duty, and makes each man at- 
tentive to the convenience of others ; but he whose will 
is a law to others, and who can enforce obedience by 
punishment ; he whose wants are supplied without feeling 
any obligation to make equal returns to h-is benefactor, 
and whose irregular appetites find an open field for mo- 
tion, is in danger of growing hard, and inattentive to 
their convenience who labour for his support, and of 
losing that disposition, in which alone men are fit to 
govern. 

The English government has been commended by 
foreigners for the disuse of racks and tortures, so much 
practised in some states; but this multiplying of slaves 
leads to cruel tortures ; for where people exact hard la- 
bour of others, without a suitable reward, and are re- 
solved to continue in that way, severity to such who 
oppose them becomes the consequence ; and several 
negro criminals among the English in America, have 
been executed in a lingering painful way, very terrifying 
to others. 

It is a happy case to set out right, and persevere in the 
same way : a wrong beginning leads into many difficul- 
ties ; for to support one evil, another becomes customary ; 
two produce more ; and the further men proceed in this 
way, the greater their dangers, their doubts and fears; 
and the more painful and perplexing are their circum- 
stances ; so that such wh( are true friends to the real and 
lasting interest of our country, and candidly consider the 
tendency of things, cannot but feel concern on this ac- 
count. 



TIlii: KEEPING OF NEGROES. 251 

There is a superiority in men over the brute creatures, 
and some of them are so manifestly dependent on men 
for a living, that for them to serve us in moderation, so 
far as relates to the right use of things, looks consonant 
to the design of our Creator. 

There is nothing in their frame which argues the con- 
trary ; but in men there is. The frame of men's bodies, 
and the dispositions of their minds are ditferent ; some 
who are tough and strong, and their minds active, choose 
ways of life requiring much labour to support them ; 
others are soon weary ; and though use makes labour 
more tolerable, yet some are less apt for toil than others, 
and their minds less sprightly. These latter labouring 
for their subsistence, commonly choose a mode of life 
easy to support, being content with a little. When they 
are weary they may rest, take the most advantageous 
part of the day for their labour, and in all cases propor- 
tion one thing to another, so that their bodies be not 
oppressed. 

Now while each is at liberty, the latter may be as hap- 
py, and live as comfortably as the former ; but where 
men of the first sort have the latter under absolute com- 
mand, and not considering the odds in strength and 
firmness, do sometimes in their eager pursuit, lay on 
them burthens grievous to be borne ; and by degrees 
grow more rigorous ; these aspiring to greatness, increase 
oppression, and the true order of a kind Providence is 
subverted. 

There are weaknesses sometimes attending us, which 
make little or no alteration in our countenances, nor 
much lessen our appetite for food, and yet so aflfect us, 
as to make labour very uneasy. In such cases, masters 
intent on putting forward business, and jealous of the 



252 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

sincerity of their slaves, may disbelieve, what they say 
and grievously afflict them. 

Action is necessary for all men, and our exhausting 
frame requires a support, which is the fruit of labour. — 
The earth must be tilled to keep us alive : labour is a 
proper part of our life ; to make one answer the other in 
some useful mode, looks agreeable to the design of our 
Creator. Motion rightly managed, tends to our satisfac- 
tion, health and support. 

Those who quit all useful business, and live wholly 
on the labour of others, have their exercise to seek ; some 
such use less than their health requires ; others choose 
that which, by the circumstances attending it, proves 
utterly adverse to true happiness. Thus while some are 
in divers ways, distressed for want of useful action, those 
who support them sigh, and are exhausted with exertions 
too powerful for nature, spending their days w^ith too 
little cessation from labour. 

Seed sown with the te^rs of a confined oppressed 
people, harvests cut down by an overborne discontented 
reaper, make bread less sweet to the taste of an honest 
man, than that which is the produce, or just reward of 
such voluntary action, as is a proper part of the business 
of human creatures. 

Again, the w^eak state of the human species, in bear- 
ing and bringing forth their young, and the helpless con- 
dition of their young beyond that of other creatures, 
clearly show that Perfect Goodness designs a tender care 
and regard should be exercised toward them ; and that 
no imperfect, arbitrary power should prevent the cordia? 
effects of that sympathy, which exists in the minds of 
well-met pairs, to each other, and toward their offspring. 

In our species the mutual ties of affection are more 



THE KEEPIIfG OF NEGROES. 253 

rational and durable than in others below us; and tlic 
care and labour of raising our offspring are much greater. 
The satisfaction arising to us in their innocent company, 
and in their advances from one rational improvement to 
another, is considerable, when two are thus joined, and 
their affections sincere. It however happens among 
slaves, that they are often situate in different places ; and 
their seeing each other depends on the will of men, lia- 
ble to human passions, and a bias in judgment ; who, 
with views of self-interest, may keep them apart more 
than is right. Being absent from each other, and often 
with other company, there is a danger of their affections 
being alienated, jealousies arising, the happiness other- 
wise resulting from the care of their offspring frustrated, 
and the comforts of marriage destroyed. These things 
being considered closely, as happening to a near friend, 
will appear to be hard and painful. 

He who reverently observes that goodness manifested 
by our gracious Creator toward the various species of 
beings in this world, will see, that in our frame and con- 
stitution it is clearly shown that innocent men, capable 
to manage for themselves, were not intended to be slaves. 

A person lately travelling amongst the negroes near 
Senegal, has this remark; ^' Which way so ever I turned 
my eyes on this pleasant spot, I beheld a perfect image 
of pure nature ; an agreeable solitude, bounded on every 
side by charming landscapes, the rural situation of cot- 
tages in the midst of trees ; the ease and indolence of 
the negroes reclining under the shade of their spreading 
foliage; the simplicity of their dress and manners; the 
whole revived in my mind the idea of our first parents, 
and I seemed to contemplate the world in its primitive 
state." M. Adaison,. page 55. 

W 



254 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

Some negroes in these parts, who have had an agree- 
-ible education, have manifested a brightness of under- 
standing equal to many of us. A remark of this kind 
we find in Bosinan, page 328. '< The negroes of Fida, 
saith he, are so accurately quick in their merchandise 
accounts, that they easily reckon as justly and quickly 
in their heads only, as we with the assistance of pen and 
ink, though the sum amounts to several thousands." 

Through the force of long custom, it appears needful 
to speak in relation to colour. Suppose a white child, 
born of parents of the meanest sort, who died .and left 
him an infant, falls into the hands of a person, who en- 
deavours to keep him a slave, some men would account 
him an unjust man in doing so, who yet appear easy 
while many black people, of honest lives and good abili- 
ties, are enslaved in a manner more shocking than the 
case here supposed. This is owing chiefly to the idea 
of slavery being connected wdth the black colour, and 
liberty with the white ; and where false ideas are twisted 
into our minds, it is with difficulty w^e get fairly disen- 
tangled. 

A traveller who in cloudy w^eather misses his way, 
makes many turns while he is lost, yet still forms in his 
mind the bearing and situation of places, and though 
the ideas are wrong, they fix as fast as if they were right. 
Finding how^ things are, we see our mistake ; yet the 
^orce of reason, with repeated observations on places 
and things, do not soon remove those false notions so 
fastened upon us, but it will seem in th*^ imagination 
\s if the course of the sun was altered ; and though by 
recollection we are assured it is not, yet those ideas do 
not suddenly leave us. 

Selfishness being indulged, clouds the understanding , 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 255 

and where selfish men for a long time proc(ied on their 
way without opposition, the deceivableness of unright- 
eousness gets so rooted in their intellects, that a candid 
examination of things relating to self-interest is prevented ; 
and in this circumstance, some who would not agree to 
make a slave of a person whose colour is like their own, 
appear easy in making slaves of others of a different 
colour, though their understandings and morals are equal 
to the generality of men of their own colour. 

The colour of a man avails nothing, in matters of right 
and equity. Consider colour in relation to treaties; by 
which disputes between nations are sometimes settled. — 
And should the Father of us all so dispose things, that 
treaties with black men should sometimes be necessary, 
how then would it appear amongst the princes and am- 
bassadors, to insist on the prerogative of the white colour? 

Whence is it that men, who believe in a righteous 
Omnipotent Being, to w^hom all nations stand equally 
related, and are equally accountable, remain so easy in 
it; but because the ideas of negroes and slaves are so 
interwoven in the mind, that they do not discuss this 
matter with that candour and freedom of thought, w^hich 
the case justly calls for. 

To come at a right feeling of their condition, requires 
humble serious thinking; for in their present situation, 
they have but little to engage our natural affection in their 
favour. 

Had w^e a son or a daughter involved in the same case, 
m which many of them are, it would alarm us and make 
us feel their condition without seeking for it. The ad- 
versity of an intimate friend will excite our compassion, 
vhile tnat of others equally good, in the like trouble will 
out little affect us. 



256 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

Again, the man in worlclly honour whom we considei; 
as our superior, treating us with kindness and generosity, 
6egets a return of gratitude and friendship toward him. 
We may receive as great benefits from men a degree 
lower than ourselves, in the common way of reckoning, 
and feel ourselves less engaged in favour of them. Such 
is our condition by nature, and these things being nar- 
rowly watched and examined, will be found to center in 
self-love. 

The blacks seem far from being our kinsfolk, and did 
we find an agreeable disposition and sound understand- 
ing in some of them, which appeared as a good founda- 
tion for a true friendship between us, the disgTace arising 
from an open friendship with a person of so vile a stock, 
in the common esteem, would naturally tend to hinder it. 
They have neither honours, riches, outward magnificence 
nor pow er ; their dress coarse, and often ragged, their 
employ drudgery and much in the dirt, they have little or 
nothing at command, but must wait upon and work for 
others, to obtain the necessaries of life ; so that in their 
present situation, there is not much to engage the friend- 
ship, or move the affection of selfish men. But such 
who live in the spirit of true charity, sympathise with the 
aflQicted even in the lowest stations of life. 

Such is the kindness of our Creator, that people ap- 
plying their minds to sound wisdom, may in general with 
moderate exercise live comfortably, where no misapplied 
power hinders it. We in these parts have cause grate- 
fully to acknowledge it. But where men leave the true 
use of things, their lives become less of calm, and have 
less oi real happiness in them. 

Many are desirous of purchasing and keeping slaves, 
•hat they may live in some measure conformably to tliose 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 25"l 

customs of the times, which have in them a tincture of 
luxury; for when we, in the least degree, depart from 
that use of the creatures, for wdiich the Creator of all 
things intended them, there luxury begins. 

And if we consider this way of life seriously, we shall 
see there is nothing in it sufficient to induce a wise man 
to choose it, before a plain, simple way of living. If we 
examine stately buildings and equipage, delicious food, 
superfine clothes, silks and linens; if we consider the 
splendour of choice metal fastened upon raiment, and 
the most showy inventions of men, it will yet appear that 
the humble-minded man, who is contented with the true 
use of houses, food and garments, and cheerfully exer- 
ciseth himself agreeably to his station in civil society, to 
earn them, acts more reasonably, and discovers more 
soundness of understanding in his conduct, than such 
•who lay heavy burdens on others, to support themselves 
in a luxurious way of living. 

George Buchanan, in his history of Scotland, page 
62, tells of some ancient inhabitants of Britain, who were 
derived from a people that ^<had a way of marking their 
bodies, as some said, with instruments of iron, with 
variety of pictures, and with animals of all shapes, and 
wear no garments, that they should not hide their pic- 
tures ; and were therefore called Picts." 

Did we see those people shrink with pain, for a consid- 
erable time together, under the point or edge of this 
iron instrument, and their bodies all bloody with the 
operation; did we see them sometimes naked, sufferiug 
with cold, and yet refuse to put on garments, that those 
imaginary ensigns of grandeur might not be concealed, 
it is likely we should pity their folly and fondness for 
those things: but if we candidly compare their conduct, 

w 2 



258 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

in that case, with some conduct amongst ourselves, will 
it not appear that our folly is the greatest? 

In true Gospel simplicity, free from all wrong use of 
things, a spirit which breathes peace and good will is 
cherished ; but when we aspire after imaginary grandeur, 
and apply to selfish means to attain our end, this desire, 
in its original, is the same w ith the Picts in cutting figures 
on their bodies; but the evil consequences attending our 
proceedings are the greatest. 

A covetous mind, which seeks opportunity to exalt 
itself, is a great enemy of true harmony in a country : 
envy and grudging usually accompany this disposition, 
and it tends to stir up its likeness in others. And where 
this disposition ariseth so high, as to embolden us to 
look upon honest industrious men as our own property 
during life, and to keep them to hard labour, to support 
us in those customs which have not their foundation in 
right reason, or to use any means of oppression; a 
haughty spirit is cherished on one side, and the desire 
of revenge frequently excited on the other, till the in- 
habitants of the land are ripe for great commotion and 
trouble ; and thus luxury and oppression have the seeds 
of war and desolation in them. 



Some account of the slave-trade^ from the writings of persons 
who have been at the plaas where they are first purchased^ 

viz. 

BosMAN on Guinea, who was a factor for the Dutch 
about sixteen years in that country, (page 3S9) thus re- 
marks : '' But since I have so often mentioned that com- 
merce, I shall describe how^ it is managed by our factors 
The first business of one of our factors, when he comeis 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 259 

to Fida, is to satisfy the customs of the king, and the 
great men, which amounts to about one hundred pounds, 
in Guinea value, as the goods must sell there. After 
which we have fiee license to trade, which is published 
throughout the whole land by the crier. And yet before 
we can deal with any person, we are obliged to buy the 
king's whole stock of slaves, at a set price ; which is 
commonly one third or fourth higher than ordinary. After 
which we have free leave to deal with all his subjects, of 
what rank so ever. But if there happen to be no stock 
of slaves, the factor must resolve to run the risk of trust- 
ing the inhabitants with goods, to the value of one or 
two hundred slaves ; which commodities they send into 
the inland country, in order to buy with them slaves at 
all markets, and that sometimes two hundred miles deep 
in the country: for you ought to be informed, that mar- 
kets of men are here kept in the same manner as they of 
beasts are with us. 

'^ Most of the slaves which are offered to us, are pris- 
oners of war, which are sold by the victors as their 
booty. When these slaves come to Fida, they are put 
in prisons all together; and when we treat concerning 
them, they are all brought out in a large plain, where, by 
our surgeons, whose province it is, they are thoroughly 
examined, even to the smallest member, and that naked, 
both men and women, without the least distinction or 
modesty. Those which are approved as good, are set on 
one side. The invalids and maimed being thrown out, 
the remainder are numbered, and it is entered who deliv- 
ered them : in the mean while a burning iron, with the 
arms or name of the company, lies in the fire, with which 
ours are marked on the breast. This is done that we 
may distinguish them from the slaves of the English. 



260 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

French, dr others. When we have agreed with th€ 
owners of the slaves, they are returned to their prisons.^ 
where, from that time forward, they are kept at our 
charge, cost us two-pence a day a slave, which serves to 
subsist them, like our criminals, on bread and water: so 
that, to save charges, we send them on board our ships 
the first opportunity; before which their masters strip 
them of all they have on their backs, so that they come 
aboard stark naked, as well women as men ; in which 
condition they are obliged to continue, if the master of 
the ship is not so charitable, which he commonly is, as 
to bestow something on them, to cover their nakedness." 

Same author, page 310. '' The inhabitants of Popo, 
as well as those of Goto, depend on plunder and the 
slave trade, in both which they very much exceed the 
latter; for being endowed with more courage, they rob 
more successfully, and by that means increase their trade : 
notwithstanding which, to freight a vessel with slaves, 
requires some months attendance. In the year 1697, in 
three days time I could get but three slaves ; but they 
assured me, that if I would have patience for other three 
days only, they should be able to deliver me one or two 
hundred." 

Bosman, page 440. '^ We cast anchor at Cape Mizu- 
rada, but not one negro coming on board ; I went on 
shore, and being desirous to be informed why they did 
not come on board, was answered. That about two 
months before, the English had been there with two ves- 
sels, and had ravaged the country, destroyed all their 
canoes, plundered their houses, and carried off some of 
their people for slaves ; upon which the remainder fled 
to the inland country. They tell us, they live in peace 
with all their neighbours, and have no notion ct anj 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 261 

other enemy than the English ; of which nation t\ ey had 
taken some then : and publicly declared, that tney wou.d 
endeavour to get as many of them, as the two-mentioned 
ships had carried off of their natives. These unhappy 
English were in danger of being sacrificed to the memory 
of their friends, which some of their nation carried off." 

Extracts from a collection of voyages. Vol. 1. 

The author, a popish missionary, speaking of his de- 
parting from the negro country to Brazil, saith, '' I re- 
member the duke of Bambay, a negro chief, one day 
sent me several blacks to be my slaves, which I would 
not accept ; but sent them back to him. I afterwards 
told him, I came not into his country to make slaves; 
but rather to deliver those from the slavery of the devil, 
whom he kept in miserable thraldom. The ship I went 
aboard was loaded with elephants' teeth, and slaves to 
the number of six hundred and eighty-men, women and 
children. It was a pitiful sight to behold how- all these 
people were bestowed. The men were standing in the 
hold, fastened one to another, with stakes, for fear they 
should rise and kill the whites : the women were between 
the decks, and the children in the steerage, pressed to- 
gether like herrings in a barrel ; which caused an intoler- 
able heat and stench." Page 507. 

" It is now time, saith the same author, to speak of a 
brutish custom these people have amongst them in making 
slaves ; which I take not to be lawful for any person of a 
good conscience to buy." 

He then describes how women betray men into slavery^ 
and adds, '' Others go up into the inland country, and 
through pretence of jurisdiction, seize men upon any 
trifling offence, and sell them for slaves." Page 537. 



262 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

The author of this treatise, conversing with a persoK 
of good credit, was informed by him, that in his youth, 
while in England, he was minded to come to America, 
and happening on a vessel bound for Guinea, and from 
thence into America, he, with a view to see Africa, went 
on board her, and continued with them in their voyage, 
and so came into this country. Among other circum- 
stances he related these. '' They purchased on the coast 
about three hundred slaves ; some of them he understood 
were captives of war, and some stolen by other negroes 
privately. When they had got many slaves on board, 
but were still on that coast, a plot was laid by an old 
negro, notwithstanding the men had irons on their hands 
and feet, to kill the English and take the vessel ; which 
being discovered, the man was hanged, and many of the 
slaves made to shoot at him as he hung up. 

'' Another slave was charged with having a design to 
kill the English ; and the captain spoke to him in relation 
to the charge brought against him, as he stood on deck ; 
whereupon he immediately threw himself into the sea, 
and was drowned. 

^' Several negroes confined on board, were so extreme- 
ly uneasy with their condition, that after many endeavours 
used, they could never make them eat nor drink after 
they came in the vessel ; but in a desperate resolution 
starved themselves to death, behaving toward the last 
like mad-men." 

In Randall's Geography, printed 1744, we are in- 
formed, '' That in a time of full peace nothing is more 
common than for the negroes of one nation to steal those 
of another, and sell them o the Europeans. It is thought 
that the English transmit annually nearly fifty thousanc 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 263 

of these unhappy creatures; and the other European 
nations together, about two hundred thousand more." 

It is through the goodness of God that the reforma- 
tion from gross idolatry and barbarity hath been thus far 
effected. If we consider our condition as Christians, 
and the benefits we enjoy, and compare them with the 
condition of those people, and consider that our nation 
trading with them for their country produce, has had an 
opportunity of imparting useful instructions to them, and 
remember that but little pains have been taken therein, it 
must look like an indifference in us. But when we reflect 
on a custom the most shocking of any amongst them, 
and remember, that with a view to outward gain we have 
joined as parties in it ; that our concurrence with them 
in their barbarous proceedings, has tended to harden 
them in cruelty, and been a means of increasing calami- 
ties in their country, we must own that herein w^e have 
acted contrary to the precepts of Christ and the examples 
of those worthies w^hose lives and substance were spent 
in propagating Truth and righteousness amongst the 
heathen. When Saul, by the hand of Doeg, slew four- 
score priests at once, he had a jealousy that one of them 
at least was confederate with David, whom he considered 
as his enemy. Herod slaying all the male children in 
Bethlehem of two years old and under, was an act of 
uncommon cruelty ; but he supposed there was a male 
child there, within that age, who was likely to be king 
of the Jews, and finding no way to destroy him, but by 
destroying them all, thought this the most effectual means 
to secure the kingdom to his own family. 

When the sentence against the Protestants of Marin- 
dol, &c., in France, was put in execution, great numbers 
of people fled to the w^ilderness ; amongst whom wei<? 



264 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

ancient people, women great with child, and others with 
babes in their arms, who endured calamities grievous to 
relate, and in the end some perished wdth hunger, and 
many were destroyed by fire and sw^ord ; but they had 
this objection against them. That they obstinately per- 
sisted in opposition to the holy mother church, and being 
heretics, it was right to work their ruin and extirpation, 
and raze out their memory from among men. Fox's Acts 
and Monuments, page 646. 

In favour of these cruelties, every one had what they 
deemed a plea. These scenes of blood and cruelty 
among the barbarous inhabitants of Guinea, are not less 
terrible than those now mentioned. They are continued 
from one age to another, and we make ourselves parties 
and fellow-helpers in them ; nor do I see that we have 
any plea in our favour more plausible than the plea of 
Saul, of Herod, or of the French, in those slaughters. 

Many who are parties in this trade, by keeping slaves 
with views of self-interest, were they to go as soldiers in 
one of these inland expeditions to catch slaves, must 
necessarily grow dissatisfied with such employ, or cease 
to profess their religious principles. And though the first 
and most striking part of the scene is done at a great 
distance, and by other hands, yet every one who is 
acquainted with the circumstances, and notwithstanding 
joins in it, for the sake of gain only, must in the nature 
of things, be chargeable with the others. 

Should we consider ourselves present as spectators, 
when cruel negroes privately catch inrocent children, 
w^ho are employed in the fields; hear their lamentable 
cries, under the most terrifying apprehensions ; or should 
w^e look upon it as happening in our own families, having 
our children carried off by savages, we must needs ow^n, 



THE KEEPING OF NEIaROES. 265 

that such proceedings are contrary to the nature of Chris- 
tianity. Should we meditate on the wars which are 
greatly increased by this trade, and on that affliction 
which many thousands live in, through apprehensions of 
being taken or slain ; on the terror and amazement that 
villages are in, when surrounded by these troops of enter- 
prise!^ ; on the great pain and misery of groaning dying 
men, w'ho get wounded in those skirmishes ; we shall 
necessarily see, that it is impossible to be parties in such 
a trade, on the motives of gain, and retain our innocence. 

Should w^e consider the case of multitudes of those 
people, who in a fruitful soil, and hot climate, with a 
little labour raise grain, roots and pulse to eat ; spin and 
weave cotton, and fasten together the large feathers of 
fow^ls, to cover their nakedness ; many of whom, in much 
simplicity live inoffensively in their cottages, and take 
great comfort in rearing up their children. 

Should we contemplate their circumstances, when sud 
denly attacked, and labour to understand their inex- 
pressible anguish of soul w^ho survive the conflict: should 
we think on inoffensive women, who fled at the alarm, 
and at their return saw^ that village in w^hich they and 
their acquaintance were raised up, and had pleasantly 
soent their youthful days, now lying in gloomy desola- 
tion ; some shocked at finding the mangled bodies of 
their near friends amongst the slain ; others bemoaning 
the absence of a brother, a sister, a child, or a whole 
family of children, who by cruel men, are bound and 
carried to market to be sold, without the least hopes of 
seeing them again : add to this, the afflicted condition 
of these poor captives, who are separated from family 
connexions, and all the comforts arising from friendship 
and acquaintance, carried amongst a people of a strange 

X 



266 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

language, to be parted from their fellow-captives^ put to 
labour in a manner more servile and wearisome than 
what they were used to, with many sorrowful circum- 
stances attending their slavery ; we must necessarily see, 
that it belongs not to the followers of Christ to be parties 
in such a trade, on the motives of outward gain. 

Though there were wars and desolations among the 
negroes, before the Europeans began to trade there for 
slaves, yet now the calamities are greatly increased, so 
many thousands being annually brought from thence ; 
ancl we by purchasing them with views of self-interest, 
are become parties with them, and accessary to that 
increase. 

In this case, we are not joining against an enemy who 
is fomenting discords on our continent, and using all 
possible means to make slaves of us and our children; 
but against a people who have not injured us. 

If those who were spoiled and wronged, should at 
length make slaves of their oppressors, and continue 
slavery to their posterity, it would look rigorous to candid 
men : but to act that part toward a people, when neither 
they nor their fathers have injured us, has something in 
it extraordinary, and requires our serious attention. 

Our children breaking a bone ; getting so bruised that 
a leg or an arm must be taken off; lost for a few hours, 
so that we despair of their being found again ; a friend 
hurt, so that he dieth in a day or two ; are circumstances 
that move us w^ith grief. Did we attend to these scenes 
in Africa, in like manner as if they were transacted in 
our presence, and sympathise w^ith the negroes in all their 
afflictions and miseries, as we do with our children and 
friends, we should be more careful to do nothing in any 
degree helping forward a trade productive of so many 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES 267 



& 



and so great calamities. Great distance nakes nothing 
m our favour. Willingly to join with unrighteousness, 
to the injury of men who live some thousand miles off, is 
the same in substance, as joining w^ith it to the injury of 
our neiofhbours. 

In the eye of pure justice, actions are regarded accord- 
ing to the spirit and disposition they arise from : some 
evils are accounted scandalous, and the desire of reputa- 
tion may keep selfish men from appearing openly to par- 
ticipate in them ; but he who is shy on that account, and 
yet by indirect means promotes that evil, and shares in 
the profit of it, cannot be innocent. 

He who with a view to self-interest buys a slave, made 
so by violence, and on the strength of such purchase 
holds him a slave, thereby joins hands with those who 
committed that violence, and in the nature of things be- 
comes chargeable with the guilt. 

Suppose a man wants a slave, and being in Guinea, 
goes and hides by the path where boys pass from one 
little town to another, and there catches one the day he 
expects to sail ; and taking him on board, brings him 
home, without any aggravating circumstances; suppose 
another buys a man taken by them w^ho live by plunder 
and the slave-trade ; who often steal them privately, and 
shed much blood in getting them, he who buys the slaves 
thus taken, pays those men for their w^ickedness, and 
makes himself a party with them. 

Whatever nicety of distinction there may be, between 
going in person on expeditions to catch slaves, and buying 
those with a view to self-interest, which others have 
taken ; it is clear and plain to an upright mind, that such 
distinction is in words, not in substance ; for the parties 
ure concerned in the same work, and have a necessary 



268 



CONSIDERATIONS ON 



connection with and dependence on each other; for were 
there none to purchase slaves, they who live by stealing 
and selling them, would of consequence do less at it. 

Some would buy a negro brought from Guinea, with a 
view to self-interest, and keep him a slave, who yet 
would seem to scruple to take arms, and join with men 
employed in taking slaves. 

Others have civil negroes, who were born in our 
country, capable and likely to manage well for them- 
selves ; whom they keep as slaves, without ever trying 
them with freedom, and take the profit of their labour as 
a part of their estates, and yet disapprove of bringing 
them from their own country. 

If those negroes had come here as merchants, with 
their ivory and gold dust, in order to trade with us, and 
some powerful person had taken their effects to himself, 
and then put them to hard labour, and ever after consid- 
ered them as slaves, the action would be looked upon 
as unrighteous. 

If those negro merchants should have children after 
being among us, whose endowments and conduct were 
like other people's in common, and on their attaining to 
mature age, and requesting to have their liberty, they 
should be told they were born in slavery, and were lawful 
slaves, and therefore their request should be denied ; such 
conduct toward them would be looked upon as unfair 
and oppressive. 

In the present case, relating to home-born negroes, 
whose understandings and behaviour are as good as 
common among other people, if we have any claim to. 
them as slaves, that claim is grounded on their being the 
children or offspring of slaves, who in general were made 
such through means as unrigh ecus, and attended with 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 269 

more terrible circumstances than the case last supposed ; 
so that when we trace our claim to the bottom, these 
home-born negroes having paid for their education, and 
given reasonable security to those who owned them, m 
case of their becoming chargeable, we have no more 
equitable right to their service, than we should if they 
were the children of honest merchants who came from 
Guinea in an English vessel to trade with us. 

If we claim any right to them as the children of slaves, 
we build on the foundation laid by those who made slaves 
of their ancestors ; so that of necessity we must either 
justify the trade, or relinquish our right to them, as being 
the children of slaves. 

Why should it seem right to honest men to make ad- 
vantage by these people more than by others? Others 
enjoy freedom, and receive wages equal to their work, at 
or near such time as they have discharged these equitable 
obligations they are under to those who educate them. 
These have made no contract to serve ; been no more 
expensive in raising up than others, and many of them 
appear as likely to make a right use of freedom as other 
people ; how then can an honest man withhold from them 
that liberty, which is the free gift of the Most High to 
his rational creatures ? 

The upright in heart cannot succeed the wicked in 
their wickedness ; nor is it consonant to the life they live, 
to hold fast an advantage unjustly gained. 

The negroes who live by plunder and the slave-trade, 
steal'poor innocent children, invade their neighbours' ter- 
ritories, and spill much blood to get these slaves: and 
can it be possible for an honest mar to think that with a 
view to self-interest, we may continue slavery to the off- 
sprmg of these unhappy sufferers, merely because they 

x2 



270 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

are the children of slaves, and not have a share of this 
guilt ? 

It is granted by many, that the m^ans used in getting 
them are unrighteous, and that buying them when brought 
here is wrong; yet as setting them free is attended w-ith 
some difficulty, they do not comply with it ; but seem to 
be of the opinion, that to give them food and raiment, 
and keep them servants without any other wages, is the 
best way to manage them that they know of; and hoping 
that their children after them will not be cruel to the 
negroes, conclude to leave them as slaves to their children. 

While present outvvard interests is the chief object of 
our attention, we shall feel many objections in our minds 
against renouncing our claim to them, as the children of 
slaves; for being prepossessed wath wrong opinions, 
prevents our seeing things clearly, which to indifferent 
persons are easy to be seen. 

Suppose a person seventy years past, in low circum- 
stances, bought a negro man and w^oman, and that the 
children of such person are now w^ealthy, and have the 
children of such slaves; admit that the first negro man 
and his wife did as much business as their master and 
mistress, and that the children of the slaves have done 
more than their young masters: suppose on the whole, 
that the expense of living has been less on the negroes 
side than on the other, all w^hich are no improbable "sup- 
positions, it follows, that in equity these negroes have a 
right to a part of this increase of worldly substance; 
that should some difficulties arise on their being set free, 
there is reason for us patiently to labour through them 

As the conduct of men varies, relating to civil society, 
so different treatment is justly due to them. Indiscreet 
men occasion trouble in the world; and it remains to be 



THE KEEPING JF NEGROES. 271 

the care of mose who seek the good of mankind, to 
admonish such as they find occasion. 

The slothfulness of some of them, in providing foi 
themselves and families, it is likely would require the 
notice of their neighbours ; nor is it unlikely that some 
would, with justice, be made servants, and others pun- 
ished for their crimes. Pure justice points out to each 
individual their due ; but to deny a people the privilege 
of human creatures, on a supposition that being free, 
many of them would be troublesome to us, is to mix 
the condition of good and bad men together, and to treat 
the whole as the worst of them deserve. 

If we seriously consider that liberty is the right of 
innocent men ; that the mighty God is a refuge for the 
oppressed ; that in reality we are indebted to them ; that 
they being set free, are still liable to the penalties of our 
law^s, and as likely to have punishment for their crimes 
as other people; these may answer all our objections; 
and to retain them in perpetual servitude, without just 
cause for it, will produce effects, in the event, more 
grievous than setting them free would do, when a real 
love to truth and equity is the motive to it. 

Our authority over them stands originally in a purchase 
made from those who, as to the general, obtained theirs 
by unrighteousness. Whenever we have recourse to 
such authority, it tends more or less to obstruct the chan- 
nels through which the perfect plant in us receives nour- 
ish me nt. 

There is a principle, [the Spirit of Truth] which is pure, 
placed in the human mind, which in different places and 
ages hath had different names ; it is however pure, and 
proceeds from God. It is deep and inward, confined to 
no forms of religion, nor excluded from any, w^here the 



272 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

heart stands in perfect sincerity. In whomsoever this 
takes root and grows, of what nation soever, they be- 
come brethren, in the best sense of the expression. Using 
ourselves to take ways which appear most easy to us, 
when inconsistent with that purity which is without be- 
ginning, we thereby set up a government of our ow^n, 
and deny obedience to Him, whose service is true hberty. 

He that hath a servant made so wrongfully, and knows 
it to be so, when he treats him otherwise than a free man, 
when he reaps the beneiSt of his labour, without paying 
him such wages as are reasonably due to free men for 
the like service, clothes excepted ; these things, though 
done in calmness, without any show of disorder, do yet 
deprave the mind in like manner, and with as great cer- 
tainty, as prevailing cold congeals w^ater. These steps 
taken by masters, and their conduct striking the minds 
of their children whilst young, leave less room for that 
which is good to work upon them. The customs of their 
parents, their neighbours, and the people wfth whom they 
converse, working upon their minds; and they from 
thence conceiving similar ideas of things and modes of 
conduct, the entrance into their hearts becomes in a great 
measure, shut up against the gentle movings of uncreated 
purity. 

From one age to another, the gloom grows thicker and 
darker, till error gets established by general opinion ; 
that whoever attends to perfect goodness and remains 
under the melting influence of it, finds a path unknown 
to many, and sees the necessity to lean upon the arm of 
Divine strength, and dwell alone or with a few, in rightly 
committing their cause to Him, who is a refuge for his 
people in all their troubles. 

Where through the agreement ol a multitude, some 



THE KEEPING OF NEGROES. 273 

channels of justice are stopped, and men may support 
their characters as just men, by being just to a party, 
there is great danger of contracting an alliance with that 
spirit, which stands in opposition to the God of love, and 
spreads discord, trouble and vexation among such who 
give up to the influence of it. 

Negroes are our fellow creatures, and their present 
condition amongst us requires our serious consideration. 
We know not the time when those scales, in which 
mountains are weighed, may turn. The Parent of man- 
kind is gracious : his care is over his smallest creatures ; 
and a multitude of men escape not his notice. And 
though many of them are trodden down and despised, 
yet he remembers them : he seeth their affliction, and 
looketh upon the spreading increasing exaltation of the 
oppressor. He turns the channels of powder, humbles 
the most haughty people, and gives deliverance to the 
oppressed, at such periods as are consistent with his in- 
finite justice and goodness. And wherever gain is pre- 
ferred to equity, and wrong things publicly encouraged 
to that degree, that wickedness takes root and spreads 
wide amongst the inhabitants of a country, there is real 
cause for sorrow to all such, whose love to mankind 
stands on a true principle, and Avho wisely consicer the 
end and event of things. 



CONSIDERATIONS 

ON PURE WISDOM AND HUMAN POLICY; ON LABOUR] ON SCHOOLS 
AND 01^ THE RIGHT USE OF THE LORD's OUTWARD GIFTS. 

FIRST PRINTED IN THE YEAR 1768. 



'• Tb8 wisdom that is from above^ is first pure, then peaceable, 
gentle, and easy to be entreated; full of mercy and good fruits, 
without partiality, and without hypocrisy.'' James iii, 17. 



INTRODUCTION. 

My mind hath often been affected with sorrow, on 
account of the prevailing of that spirit, which leads from 
an humble waiting on the inward teaching of Christ, to 
pursue ways of living, attended with unnecessary labour, 
and which draw s forth the minds of many people to seek 
after outward power, and to strive for riches, which fre- 
quently introduce oppression, and bring forth wars and 
grievous calamities. 

It is with reverence that I acknowledge the mercies 
of our heavenly Father, who in infinite love visited me 
in my yc dth, and wrought a belief in me, that through 
true obedience a state of inward purity may be known 
in this life, i^ which we may love mankind in the same 
love with which our Redeemer loveth us, and therein 
learn resignation to endure hardships for the real good 
of others. 

^' While the eye is: single, the whole body is full of 
274 



CONSIDERATIONSj &C. 275 

light ;" but for want of this, selfish desires and an imagi- 
nary superiority, darken the mind; hence injustice fre- 
quently proceeds ; and where this is the case, to convince 
the judgment, is the most effectual remedy. 

Where violent measures are pursued in opposing in- 
justice, the passions and resentments of the injured, 
frequently operate in the prosecution of their designs ; 
and after conflicts productive of very great calamities, the 
minds of contending parties often remain as little ac- 
quainted with the pure principle of Divine love, as they 
were before ; but where people walk in that pure Kght 
in which all their ^^ works are wrought in God," and 
under oppression persevere in the meek spirit, and abide 
firm in the cause of Truth, w^ithout actively complying 
with oppressive demands, through these the Lord hath 
often manifested his power, in opening the understand- 
ings of others, to the promoting of righteousness in the 
earth. 

A time I believe is coming, wherein this Divine work 
will so spread and prevail, that ''Nation shall not lift up 
sword against nation, nor learn war any more." And as 
we, through the tender mercies of God, do feel that this 
precious work is begun, I am concerned to encourage 
my brethren and sisters in a holy care and diligence, that 
each of us may so live under the sanctifying power of 
Truth, as to be redeemed from all unnecessary cares ; that 
our eye being single to him, no customs, however preva- 
lent, which are contrary to the w^isdom from above, may 
hinder us from faithfully following his holy leadings, in 
whatsoever he may graciously appoint for us. 



CONSIDERATIONS, &c. 



To have our trust settled in the Lord, and not to seek 
after or desire outward treasures, any further than his 
holy Spirit leads us therein, is a happy state, as saith the 
prophet, ''Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, 
and whose hope the Lord is." 

Pure wisdom leads people into lowliness of mind, in 
which they learn resignation to the Divine will, and con- 
tentment in suffering for his cause, when they cannot 
keep a clear conscience without suffering. 

In this pure wisdom the mind is attentive to the root 
and original spring of motions and desires ; and as we 
know ''the Lord to be our refuge," and find no safety 
but in humbly walking before him, we feel an holy en- 
gagement, that every desire which leads therefrom may 
be brought to judgment. 

While we proceed in this precious w^y, and find ar- 
dent longings for a full deliverance from every thing 
which defiles, all prospects of gain that are not consistent 
with the wisdom from above, are considered as snares, 
and an inward concern is felt, that we may live under 
the cross, and faithfully attend to that holy Spirit, which 
is sufficient to preserve out of them. 

When I have considered that saying of Christ, "Lay 
not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," his omnipo- 
tence hath often occurred to my mind. 

While we believe that he is every where present with 
his people, and that perfect goodness, wisdom and 
276 



CONSIDERATIONS, &C. 277 

power, are united in him, how comfortable is the con- 
sideration. 

Our wants may be great, but his power is greater 
We may be oppressed and despised, but he is able to 
turn our patient sufferings into profit to ourselves, and to 
the advancement of his work on earth. His people who 
feel the power of his cross, to crucify all that is selfish 
in them, who are engaged in outward concerns, from a 
convincement that it is their duty, and resign themselves 
and their treasures to him ; these feel that it is danger- 
ous to give way to that in us, w^hich craves riches and 
greatness in this world. 

As the heart truly contrite, earnestly desires " to know 
Christ and the fellowship of his sufferings," so far as the 
Lord for gracious ends may lead into them ; as such feel 
that it is their interest to put their trust in God, and to 
seek no gain but that which he by his holy Spirit, leads 
into ; so on the contrary, they who do not Teverently 
wait for this Divine Teacher, and are not humbly con- 
cerned, according to their measure, ''to fill up that 
which is behind of the afl3ictions of Christ," in patiently 
suffering for the promotion of righteousness in the earth ; 
but have an eye toward the power of men and the out- 
ward advantage of wealth, these are often attentive to 
those employments which appear profitable, even though 
the gains arise from such trade and business as proceed 
from the workings of that spirit, which is estranged from 
the self-denying life of an humble contrite Christian. 

While I write on this subject, I feel my mind tenderly 
affected toward those honestly disposed people, who 
have been brought up in employments attended with 
these difficulties. 

To such I may say, in the feeling of our heavenly 

Y 



278 CONSIDERA 1 IONS 

Father's lovo, and number myself with you, O that ou! 
eyes may be single to the Lord ! may we re\^erently wait 
on him for strength to lay aside all unnecessary expense of 
every kind, and learn contentment in a plain simple life. 

May we in lowliness submit to the leadings of his 
spirit, and enter upon any outward employ which he 
graciously points out to us, and then whatever difficulties 
arise in consequence of our faithfulness, I trust they will 
work for our good. 

Small treasure to a resigned mind is sufficient. How 
happy is it to be content with a little, to live in humility, 
and feel that in us, which breathes out this language, 
Abba! Father. 

If that called the wisdom of this world, had no resem- 
blance of true wisdom, the name of wisdom, I suppose, 
had not been given to it. 

As wasting outw^ard substance to gratify vain desires, 
on one hand ; so slothfulness and neglect on the other, 
do often involve men and their families in trouble, and 
reduce them to want and distress. To shun both these 
vices is good in itself, and hath a resemblance of wis- 
dom ; but while people thus provident, have it princi- 
pally in view to get riches and power, and the friendship 
of this world, and do not humbly wait for the Spirit of 
Truth to lead them in purity ; these, through an anxious 
care to obtain the end desired, reach forth for gain in 
worldly wisdom, and in regard to their inw^ard state, fall 
into divers temptations and snares. And though such 
may think of applying wealth to good purposes, and to 
use their power to prevent oppression, yet wealth and 
power are often applied otherw^ise ; nor can w^e depart 
from the leadings of our holy Shepherd, without going 
into confusion. 



ON LABOUR. 279 

Great wealth is frequently attended with power, which 
nothing but Divine love can qualify the mind to use 
rightly ; and as to the humility and uprightness of our 
children after us, how^ great is the uncertainty ! If, in 
acquiring wealth, we take hold on the wisdom which is 
from beneath, "and depart from the leadings of Truth, and 
example our children herein, we have great cause to ap- 
prehend that wealth may be a snare to them, and prove 
an injury to others, over whom their wealth may give 
them power. 

To be redeemed from that wisdom which is from be- 
neath, and to walk in the light of the Lord, is a precious 
'situation; thus his people are brought to put their trust 
in him ; and in this humble confidence in his wisdom, 
goodness and power, the righteous find a refuge in ad- 
versities, superior to the greatest outward help, and a 
comfort more certain than any worldly advantages can 
afford. 



ON LABOUR. 



Having from my childhood been used to bodily labour 
for a living, I may express my experience therein. 

Right exercise affords an innocent pleasure in the time 
of it, and prepares us to enjoy the sw^eetness of rest ; but 
from the extremes each way, arise inconveniences. 

Moderate exercise opens the pores, gives the blood a 
lively circulation, and enables us to judge rightly respect- 
ing that portion of labour w^hich is the true medium. 

't The fowls of the air sow not, nor gather intc barns, 
yet our heavenly Father feedeth them ;" nor do I be- 
lieve that infinite goodness and power would have allotted 



280 CONSIDERATIONS 

labour to us, had he not seen that labour was proper for 
us in this life. 

The original design and true medium of labour, is a 
subject that to me appears worthy of our serious con- 
sideration. 

Idle men are often a burthen to themselves, neglect 
the duty they owe to their families, and become burden- 
some to others also. 

As outward labour directed by the wisdom from above, 
tends to our health and adds to our happiness in this 
life ; so on the contrary, entering upon it in a selfish 
spirit, and pursuing it too long, or too hard, have a con- 
trary effect. 

I have observed that too much labour not only makes 
the understanding dull, but so intrudes upon the harmo- 
ny of the body, that after ceasing from our toil, we have 
another to pass through, before we can be so composed 
as to enjoy the sweetness of rest. 

From too much labour in the heat, frequently proceed 
immoderate sweats, which often I believe open the way 
for disorders and impair our constitutions. 

When we go beyond the true medium, and feel weari- 
ness approaching, but think business may suffer if we 
cease, at such a time spirituous liquors are frequently 
taken, with a view to support nature under these fatigues. 

I have found that too much labour in the summer 
heats the blood, that taking strong drink to support the 
body under such labour, increaseth that heat, and though 
a person may be so far temperate as not to manifest the 
least disorder, yet the mind in such a circumstance, doth 
not retain that cahnness and serenity, in which we should 
endeavour to live. 

Thus toiling in the heat and drinking strong liquor, 



ON LABOUR. 281 

make men more resolute and less considerate, and tend 
very much to disqualify for following him who is meek 
and low of heart. 

As laying out more business than is consistent with 
pure wisdom is an evil, so this evil frequently leads into 
more. To 3 much business leads to hurry. In the hurry 
and toil strong drink is often used, and hereby many 
proceed to noise and wantonness, and some, though 
more considerate, do often suffer loss, as to a true com- 
posedness of mind. 

I feel sincere desires in my heart that no rent or inter- 
est may be laid so high as to be a snare to tenants ; and 
that no desires of gain may draw any too far in business. 
That no cares to support customs, which have not their 
foundation in pure wisdom, may have place in our 
minds, but that we may build on the sure - foundation, 
and feel our holy Shepherd to lead us, w^ho alone is able 
to preserve us, and bring forth from every thing which 
defiles. 

Having several times in my travels, had opportunity to 
observe the labour and manner of life of great numbers 
of slaves, it appears to me that the true medium is lam- 
entably neglected by many, who assign them their por- 
tion of labour. 

Without saying much at this time, concerning buying 
and selling men for term of life, who have as just a right 
to liberty as we have ; nor about the great miseries and 
effusion of blood, consequent on promoting the slave- 
trade ; and to speak as favourably as may be, with re- 
gard to continuing those in bondage who are amongst 
us, we cannot say there is no partiality in it : for w'hat- 
ever tenderness maybe manifested by individuals in their 
life time toward them, yet for people to be transmitted 

y2 



282 CONSIDERATIONS 

from a man to his posterity, in the helpless condition of 
sLves, appears inconsistent with the nature of the Gos- 
pel spirit. From such proceedings it often follows, that 
persons in the decline of life, are deprived of monies 
equitably due to them, and committed to the care, and 
subjected to the absolute power, of young inexperienced 
men, who know but little about the weakness of old age, 
nor understand the language of declining life. 

When parents give their estates to their children, and 
then depend on them for a maintenance, they sometimes 
meet with great inconveniences ; but if the power of pos- 
session thus obtained, often reverses the obligations of 
gratitude and filial duty, and makes manifest that youth 
are often ignorant of the language of old age, how^ hard 
is the case of ancient negroes who, deprived of the wages 
equitably due to them, are left to young people, who 
have been used to look upon them as their inferiors. 

For men to behold the fruits of their labour withheld 
from them, and possessed by others, and in old age to 
find themselves destitute of those comfortable accommo- 
dations, and that tender regard, which their time of life 
requires ; 

When they feel pains, and stiflTness in their joints and 
limbs, w^eakness of appetite, and that a little labour is 
wearisome, and still behold themselves in the neglected 
uncomfortable condition of a slave, and oftentimes to a 
young unsympathizing man ; 

For men to be thus treated from one generation to 
another who, besides their own distresses, think on the 
slavery entailed on their posterity, and are grieved, what 
disagreeable thoughts must they have of the professea 
followers of Jesus ! and how must their groans ascend to^ 
that Almighty Being, who '^w'ill be a refuge for the op 
pressed." 



ON SCHOOLS. 283 



ON SCHOOLS. 

" Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for 
of such is the kingdom of God." Mark X; 14. 

To encourage children to do things with a view to get 
the praise of men, to me appears an obstruction to their 
being inwardly acquainted with the Spirit of Truth. For 
it is the work of the Holy Spirit to direct the mind to 
God, that in all our proceedings w^e may have a single 
eye to him ; to give alms in secret, to fast in secret, and 
labour to keep clear of that disposition reproved by our 
Saviour, '' But all their works they do for to be seen of 
men." 

That Divine light which enlightens all men, I believe 
does often shine in the minds of children very early, and 
humbly to wait for wisdom, that our conduct tow^ard 
them may tend to forward their acquaintance with it, 
and to strengthen them in obedience thereto, appears to 
me to be a duty on all of us. 

By cherishing the spirit of pride, and the love of praise 
in them, I believe they may sometimes improve faster in 
learning, than otherwise they would, but to take mea- 
sures to forward children in learning, which naturally 
tend to divert their minds from true humility, appears to 
me to savour of the wisdom of this world. 

If tutors are not acquainted with sanctification of spirit, 
nor experienced in an humble waiting for the leadings 
of Truth, but follow the maxims of the wisdom of this 
world, children who are under their tuition, appear to 
me to be in danger of imbibing thoughts and apprehen- 
sions reverse to tliat meekness and lowliness of heart, 
which is necessary for all the true followers of Christ. 



284 CONSIDERATIONS 

Children at an age fit (or schools, are in &. time of life 
which requires the patient attention of pious people, and 
if we commit them to the tuition of those whose minds 
w^e believe are not rightly prepared to '' train ihem up in 
the nurture and admonition of the Lord," we are in dan- 
ger of not acting the part of faithful parents toward them ; 
for our heavenly Father doth not require us to do evil, 
that good may come of it ; and it is needful that we 
deeply examine ourselves, lest we get entangled in the 
wisdom of this world, and through wrong apprehensions, 
take such methods in education, as may prove a great 
injury to the minds of our children. 

It is a lovely sight to behold innocent children ; and 
when they are sent to schools where their tender minds 
are in imminent danger of being led astray by tutors, 
who do not live a self-denying life, or by the conversa- 
tion of children who do not live in innocence, it is a 
case much to be lamented. 

While a pious tutor has the charge of no more children 
than he can take due care of, and keeps his authority in 
the Truth, the good spirit in which he leads and governs, 
w^orks on the minds of such who are not hardened, and 
his labours not only tend to bring them forward in out- 
ward learning, but to open their understanding with re- 
spect to the true Christian life. But where a person has 
charge of too many, and his thoughts and time are so 
much employed in the outward affairs of his school, that 
he does not so weightily attend to the spirit and conduct 
of each individual, as to be enabled to administer rightly 
to all in due season ; through such omissions he not only 
suffers, as to the state of his own mind, but the minds of 
the children are in danger of suffering also. 

To watch the spirit of children, to nurture them Ik 



ON SCHOOLS. 285 

Gospel love, and labour to help them against that which 
would mar the beauty of their minds, is a debt we owe 
them ; and a faithful performance of our duty, not only 
tends to their lasting benefit, and our own peace, but 
also to render their company agreeable to us. 

Instruction thus administered, reaches the pure witness 
in the minds of children who are not hardened, and 
begets love in them toward those who thus lead them 
on ; but where too great a number are committed to a 
tutor, and he, through much cumber, omits a careful 
attention to the minds of the children, there is a danger 
of disorders gradually increasing amongst them, until the 
effects thereof appear in their conduct, too strong to be 
easily remedied. 

A care hath lived on my mind, that more time might 
be employed by parents at home, and by tutors at school, 
in weightily attending to the spirit and inclinations of 
children, and that we may so lead, instruct and govern 
them, in this tender part of life, that nothing may be 
omitted which is in our power, to help them on their 
way to become the children of our Father, who is in 
heaven. 

Meditating on the situation of schools in our provinces, 
my mind has at times been affected with sorrow, and 
under these exercises it has appeared to me, that if those 
who have large estates were faithful stewards, and laid no 
rent, or interest, or other demand, higher than is consist- 
ent with universal love ; and those in lower circumstances 
would, under a moderate employ, shun unnecessary ex- 
pense, even to the smallest article, and all unite in humbly 
seeking to the Lord, he would graciously instruct us, and 
strengthen us, to relieve the youth from various snares in 
which many of them are entangled. 



286 CONSIDERATIONS ON 



ON THE RIGHT USE OF THE LORD'S OUTWARD GIFTS. 

As our understandings are opened by the pure liglit, 
we experience that through an inward approaching to 
God, the mhid is strengthened in obedience ; and that by 
gratifying those desires which are not of his begetting, 
these approaches to him are obstructed, and the deceiv- 
able spirit gains strength. 

These truths being as it were engraven upon our hearts, 
and our everlasting interest in Christ evidently concerned 
therein, we become fervently engaged, that nothing may 
be nourished which tends to feed pride or self-love in us. 
Thus in pure obedience, we are not only instructed in 
our duty to God, but also in the affairs which necessarily 
relate to this life, and the Spirit of Truth which guides 
into all truth, leavens the mind with a pious concern, 
that '^ whatsoever we do in word or deed, may be done 
in His name." 

Hence such buildings, furniture, food and raiment, as 
best answer our necessities, and are the least likely to 
feed that selfish spirit which is our enemy, are the most 
acceptable to us. 

In this state the mind is tender, and inwardly watchful, 
that the love of gain draw us not into any business which 
may weaken our love to our heavenly Father, or bring 
unnecessary trouble to any of his creatures. 

Thus the way gradually opens to cease from that spirit 
which craves riches and things fetched far, which so 
mixes with the customs of this world, and so intrudes 
upon the true harmony of life, that the right medium of 
labour is very much departed from. As the minds of 
people are set led in a steady concern, not to hold ox 



THE RIGHT USE, &C. 28/ 

possess any thing but what may be held consistently with 
the wisdom which is from above, they consider what rney 
possess as the gift of God, and are inwardly exercised, 
that in all parts of th^ir conduct they may act agreeably 
to the nature of the peaceable government of Christ. 

A little supports such a life ; and in a state truly re- 
signed to the Lord, the eye is single to see what outward 
employ he leads into as a means of our subsistence, and 
a lively care is maintained to hold to that, without launch- 
ing farther. 

There is a harmony in the several parts of this divine 
work in the hearts of people : he who leads them to 
cease from those gainful employments, carried on in that 
wisdom which is from beneath, delivers also from the 
desire after worldly greatness, and reconciles the mind to 
a life so plain, that a little suffices. 

Here the real comforts of life are not lessened. Mod- 
erate exercise, in the way of true \visdom,is pleasant 
both to mind and body. 

Food and raiment sufficient, though in the greatest 
simplicity, is accepted with contentment and gratitude. 

The mutual love subsisting between the faithful follow- 
ers of Christ, is more pure than that friendship which is 
not seasoned with humility, how specious soever the ap- 
pearance. 

Where people depart from pure wisdom in one case, 
it is often an introduction to depart from it in many more ; 
and thus a spirit which seeks for outward greatness, and 
leads into worldly wisdom to attain it and support it, gets 
possession of the mind. 

In beholding the customary departure from the true 
medium of labour, and that unnecessary toil which many 
go through, in supporting outward greatness, and pro- 



288 CONSIDERATIONS ON 

curing delicacies ; in beholding how the true calmness of 
iife is changed into hurry, and how many, by eagerly 
pursuing outward treasure, are in great danger of wither- 
ing as to the inward state of the mind ; in meditating on 
the works of this spirit, and on the desolations it makes 
amongst the professors of Christianity, I may thankfully 
acknowledge, that I often feel pure love beget longings 
in my heart, for the exaltation of the peaceable kingdom 
of Christ, and an engagement to labour according to the 
gift bestowed on me, for promoting an humble, plain, 
temperate way of living: a life where no unnecessary 
cares or expenses may encumber our minds, or lessen 
our ability to do good ; where no desires after riches, or 
greatness may lead into hard dealing ; where no con- 
nexions with worldly-minded men, may abate our love 
to God, or weaken a true zeal for righteousness : a life 
wherein we may diligently labour for resignedness to do 
and suffer whatever our heavenly Father may allot for 
us, in reconciling the world to himself. 

When the prophet Isaiah had uttered his vision, and 
declared that a time was coming wherein <'<• swords should 
be beaten into ploughshares, and spears into pruning- 
hooks, and that nation should not lift up sword against 
nation, neither shall they learn war any more;" he im- 
mediately directs the minds of people to the Divine 
teacher in this remarkable language : '' O house of Jacob, 
come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord." 

To wait for the direction of this light, in all temporal 
as well as spiritual concerns, appears necessary ; for if 
in any case we enter lightly into temporal affairs, without 
feeling this Spirit of Truth to open our w^ay therein, and 
through the love of this world proceed on, and seek for 
'^ain by that business or traffic, which ''is not of the 



THE RIGHT USE, &C. 289 

Father, out of the world," we fail in our testimony to 
the purity and peace of his government, and get into 
that which is for chastisement. 

This matter hath lain heavy on my mind, it being 
evident, that a life less humble, less simple and plain, 
than that which Christ leads his sheep into, necessarily 
requires a support, for which pure wisdom does not pro- 
vide; hence there is no probability of our being '^ a 
peculiar people, so zealous of good works, as to have no 
fellowship with works of darkness," while we have wants 
to supply which have their foundation in custom, and do 
not come within the meaning of those expressions, " your 
heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these 
things." 

Those things which he beholds to be necessary for his 
people, he fails not to give them in his own way and 
time; but as his ways are above our ways, and his 
thoughts above our thoughts, so imaginary wants are 
different ''from those things which he knoweth that w^e 
have need of." 

As my meditations have been on these things, com- 
passion hath filled my heart toward my fellow-creatures, 
involved in customs, which have grown up in ''the 
wisdom of this world, which is foolishness with God." 
O that the youth may be so thoroughly experienced in an 
humble walking before the Lord, that they may be his 
children, and know him to be their refuge, their safe un- 
failing refuge, through the various dangers attending this 
uncertain state of being. 

If those whose minds are redeemed from the love of 
wealth, and who are contented with a plain, simple way 
of living, find that to conduct the affairs of a family, 
without giving countenance to unrighteous proceedings, 

Z 



290 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE RIGHT USE, &C. 

or having fellowship with works of darkness, the most 
diligent care is necessary ; 

If customs, distinguishable from universal righteous- 
ness, and opposite to the true self-denying life, are now 
prevalent, and so mixed with trade, and with almost 
every employ, that it is only through humble waiting on 
the inward guidance of Truth, that we may reasonably 
hope to walk safely, and support an uniform testimony to 
the peaceable government of Christ ; if this be the case, 
how lamentably do they expose themselves to temptations, 
who give w^ay to the love of riches, conform to expen- 
sive living, and reach forth for gain, to support customs 
which our holy Shepherd leads not into. 



CONSIDERATIONS 

OR THE TRUE HARMONY OF MANKIND; AND HOW IT IS TO IM 
MAINTAINED. 

FIRST PRINTED IN THE YEAR 177 0. 



" And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many 
people, as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that 
tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men." Micah v, 7. 



INTRODUCTION. 

As mankind, though descended from one parent, are 
divided into many families, and as trading to sea is 
greatly increased within a few ages past; amidst this 
extended commerce, how necessary it is that the pro- 
fessed follow^ers of Christ keep sacred his holy Name, 
and be employed about trade and traffic no farther than 
justice and equity evidently accompany them ; that we 
may give no just cause of offence to any, however distant, 
or unable to plead their own cause ; and may continually 
keep in view^, the spreading of the true and saving loiow- 
ledge of God and of his Son Jesus Christ, amongst our 
fellow-creatures, which through his infinite love, some 
feel tc be more precious than any other treasure. 

291 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 
CHAPTER 1. 

On serving the Lord in our outward employments. 

Under the humbling dispensations of the Father of 
mercies, I have felt an inward labour for the good of my 
fellow-creatures, and a concern that the holy Spirit, 
which alone can restore mankind to a state of true har- 
mony, may with singleness of heart be waited for and 
follow^ed. 

I trust there are many under that visitation, which, if 
faithfully attended to, wall make them quick of under- 
standing in the fear of the Lord, and qualify them with 
firmness to be true patterns of the Christian life, who, in 
living and walking, may hold forth an invitation to others, 
to come out of the entanglements of the spirit of this 
w^orld. 

That which I feel first to express is, a care for those 
who are in circumstances which appear difficult, with 
respect to supporting their families in a way answerable 
to pure wisdom, that they may not be discouraged, but 
remember that in humbly obeying the leading of Christ, 
he owneth us as his friends ; '' Ye are my friends if ye 
do whatsoever I command you ;" and to be a friend to 
Christ, is to be united to him who has all power in heaven 
and in earth; and though a woman may forget her suck 
ing child, yet will he not forget his faithful ones. 

The condition of many who dwell in cities has ofter 
292 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 293 

affected me with a brotherly sympathy, attended with a 
desire that resignation may be laboured for; and where 
the holy Leader directeth to a country life or some change 
of employ, he may be faithfully followed ; for under the 
refining hand of the Lord, I have seen that the inhabitants 
of some cities are greatly increased through some branches 
of business which his holy Spirit doth not lead into, and 
that being entangled in these things, tends to bring a 
cloud over the minds of people convinced of the leadings 
of this holy Leader, and obstructs the coming of the king- 
dom of Christ on earth as it is in heaven. 

If we indulge a desire to imitate our neighbours in 
those things which harmonize not with the true Christian 
walking, these entanglements may hold fast to us, and 
some who in an awakening time, feel tender scrup)es 
with respect to their manner of life, may look on the 
example of others more noted in the church, who yet 
may not be refined from every degree of dross ; and by 
looking on these examples, and desiring to support their 
families in a way pleasant to the natural mind, there may 
be danger of the worldly wisdom gaining strength in 
them, and of their departing from that pure feeling of 
Truth, which if faithfully attended to, would teach con- 
tentment in the Divine will, even in a very low estate. 

One formerly speaking on the profitableness of true 
humility, saith, '^ He that troubles not himself with anxious 
thoughts for more than is necessary, lives little less than 
the life of angels ; whilst by a mind content with little, he 
imitates their want of nothing." Cave's Primitive Chris- 
tianity, page 31. 

" It is not enough," says Tertullian, '^ that a Christian 
be chaste and modest, but he must appear to be so : a virtue 
of which he should have so great a store, that it should 

2 2 



294 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 

flow from his mind upon his habit, and break from the 
retirements of his conscience, into the superficies of his 
life." Same book, page 43. 

«' The garments we wear," says Clemens, '' ought to be 
mean and frugal — that is true simplicity of habit, which 
takes away what is vain and superfluous ; that the best 
and most solid garment, which is the farthest from curi- 
osity." Page 49. 

Though the change from day to night, is by a motion 
so gradual as scarcely to be perceived, yet when night is 
come we behold it very different from the day ; and thus 
as people become wise in their own eyes, and prudent in 
their own sight, customs rise up from the spirit of this 
world, and spread by little and little, until a departure 
from the simplicity that there is in Christ, becomes as 
distinguishable as light from darkness, to such who are 
crucified to the world. 

Our holy Shepherd, to encourage his flock in firmness 
and perseverance, reminds them of his love for them ; 
<' As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; 
continue ye in my love ;" and in another place he gra- 
ciously points out the danger of departing therefrom, by 
going into unsuitable employments. This he represents 
in the similitude of oflfence from that useful active mem- 
ber, the hand ; and to fix the instruction the deeper, he 
names the right hand ; " If thy right hand oflTend thee cut 
it off" and cast it from thee:" — If thou fcelest offence in 
thy employment, humbly follow^ him who leads into all 
Truth, and is a strong and faithful friend to those who 
are resigned to him. 

Again, he points out those things which appearing 
pleasant to the natural mind, are not best for us, in the 
similitude of oflfence from the ey-? ; «> If thy right eyt- 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 295 

offend thee pluck it out, and cast it from thee." To 
pluck out the eye, or cut off the hand, is attended with 
sharp pain ; and how precious is the instruction which our 
Redeemer thus opens to us, that we may not faint under 
the most painful trials, but put our trust in him, even in 
him who sent an angel to feed Elijah in the wilderness ; 
who fed a multitude with a few barley loaves, and is now 
as attentive to the wants of his people as ever. 

The prophet Isaiah represents the unrighteous doings 
of the Israelites toward the poor, as the fruits of an 
effeminate life ; '^ As for my people, children are their 
oppressors, and women rule over them ; what mean ye 
that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of 
'he poor, saith the Lord God." Then he mentions the 
haughtiness of the daughters of Sion, and enumerates 
many ornaments as instances of their vanity, to uphold 
which, the poor were so hardly dealt with, that he sets 
forth their poverty, their leanness and inability to help 
themselves, in the similitude of a man maimed by violence 
or '' beaten to pieces," and forced to endure the painful 
operation of having his face gradually worn away in the 
manner of grinding. 

I may here add, that at times, when I have felt true 
love open my heart towards my fellow-creatures, and 
been engaged in weighty conversation in the cause of 
righteousness, the instructions I have received under 
these exercises, in regard to the true use of the outward 
gifts of God, have made deep and lasting impressions on 
my mind. 

I have beheld how the desire to provide wealth, and 
to uphold a delicate life hath grievously entangled many, 
and been like snares to their offspring ; and though some 
have been affected with a sense of their difficulties, and 



296 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 

appeared desirous at times to be helped out of them ; yet 
for want of abiding under the humbling power of Truth, 
they have continued in these entanglements; for in 
remaining conformable to this world, and giving way to 
a delicate life, this expensive way of living, in parents 
and in children, hath called for a large supply, and in 
answering this call '' the faces of the poor" have been 
ground away and made thin through hard dealing. 

There is balm, there is a physician; and O what long- 
ings do I feel that we may embrace the means appointed 
for our healing; know that removed which now^ ministers 
cause for the cries of many people to ascend to heaven 
against their oppressors, and that we may see the true 
harmony restored. 

Behold '' how^ good and how^ pleasant it is, for brethren 
to dwell together in unity." The nature of this unity is 
thus opened by the apostle ; '' If we walk in the light, as He 
[God] is in the light, we shall have fellowship one with 
another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth 
us from all sin." 

The land may be polluted with innocent blood, which 
like the blood of Abel may cry to the Almighty ; but those 
who "walk in the light as Christ is in the light," they 
know the " Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of 
the w^orld." 

Walking is a phrase frequently used in Scripture to 
represent our journey through life, and appears to com- 
prehend the various afiairs and transactions properly 
relating to our being in this world. 

Christ being the light dwells always in the light ; and 
if our walking be thus, and in every aflair and concern 
we faithfully follow this divine Leader, he preserves txom 
giving just cause for any to quarrel with us ; and where 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 9-97 

\Lis foundation is laid and mutually kept to, by families 
conversant with each other, the way is open for those 
comforts in society, which our heavenly Father intends 
as a part of our happiness in this w^orld ; and we may 
experience the goodness and pleasantness of dwelling 
together in unity. But where ways of living take place 
which tend to oppression, and in the pursuit of wealth, 
people do that to others which they know would not be 
acceptable to themselves, either in exercising an abso- 
lute power over them, or otherwise laying on them 
inequitable burdens ; here a fear lest that measure should 
be meted to them, which they have measured to others, 
incitei^ a care to support that by craft and cunning 
devices, which stands not on the firm foundation of right- 
eousness: thus the harmony of society is broken, and 
from hence commotions and wars do frequently arise in 
the world. 

'' Come out of Babylon my people, that ye be not par- 
takers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues,'' 
This babel, or Babylon, was built in the spirit of self- 
exaltation: '' Let us build us a city and a tower, whose 
top may reach to heaven, and let us make us a name." 
In departing from an humble trust in God, and in follow- 
ing a selfish spirit, people have intentions to get the 
upper-hand of their fellow-creatures, privately meditate 
on means to obtain their ends, and have a language in 
their hearts which is hard to understand. In Babel the 
language is confounded. 

This city iy represented as a place of business, and 
those employed in it as merchants of the earth: ''The 
merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abun- 
dance of her delicacies." 

It IS remarkable in this call, that the language from 



•398 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 

the j^'ather of mercies is, ^' my people," <' Come out of 
Babylon my people !" Thus tender his mercies aie toward 
us in an imperfect state ; and as we faithfully attend to 
the call, the path of righteousness is more and more 
opened ; cravings which have not their foundation in 
pure wisdom, more and more cease; and in an inward 
purity of heart, we experience a restoration of that which 
was lost at Babel, represented by the inspired prophet, 
in the " returning of a pure language." 

Happy for those who humbly attend to the call, '' Come 
out of Babylon my people." For though in going forth 
we ma} meet with trrals, which for a time may be pain- 
ful, yet as we bow in true humility and continue in it, an 
evidence is felt that God only is wise ; and that in wean- 
ing us from all that is selfish, he prepares the way to a 
quiet habitation where all our desires are bounded by 
his wisdom. An exercise of spirit attends me, that we 
who are convinced of the pure leadings of Truth, may 
bow in the deepest reverence, and so watchfully regard 
this leader, that many who are grievously entangled in a 
wilderness of vain customs, may look upon us and be 
instructed. And O that such who have plenty of this 
world's goods, may be faithful in that with which they 
are entrusted, and example others in the true Christian 
walking. 

Our blessed Saviour speaking on worldly greatness, 
compares himself to one waiting and attending on a 
company at dinner: «< Whether is greater, he that sitteth 
at meat or he that serveth ? Is not he that sitteth at 
meat ? but I am amongst you as he that serveth." 

Thus in a world greatly disordered, where men aspir* 
ing to outward greatness are wont to oppress others to 
support their designs, he who was of the highest descent, 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 299 

being the Son of God, and greater than any amongst the 

greatest families of men, by his example and doctrines 
foreclosed his followers from claiming any show of out- 
ward greatness, and from any supposed superiority in 
themselves, or derived from their ancestors. 

He who was greater than earthly princes, was not only 
meek and low of heart, but his outward appearance was 
plain and lowly, and free from every stain of the spirit 
af this world. 

Such was the example of our blessed Redeemer, of 
w^hom the beloved disciple said, " He that saithhe abideth 
in him, ought himself also so to w^alk even as he walked." 

John Bradford, who suffered martyrdom under Queen 
Mary, wrote a letter to his friends out of prison a short 
time before he w^as burnt, in which are these expressions ;" 
*' Consider your dignity as children of God and temples 
of the Holy Ghost, and members of Christ; be ashamed 
therefore to think, speak, or do any thing unseemly, for 
God's children and the members of Christ." Fox's 
Acts and Monuments, page 1177. 



CHAPTER II. 

On the example of Christ. 

My mind has been brought into a brotherly feeling 
with the poor, as to the things of this life, w^ho are under 
trials in regard to getting a living in a w^ay answerable to 
the purity of Truth ; and a labour of heart hath attended 
me, that their way may not be made difficult through the 
love of money in those who are tried with plentiful 
estates, but that they wdth tenderness of heart may sym- 
pathize with them. 



300 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 

It is the saying of our blessed Redeemer, ''Ye cannot 
serve God and mammon." There is a deep feeling of 
the way of purity, a Wciy in which the wisdom of the 
w^orld hath no part, but is opened by the Spirit of Truth, 
and is '' called the way of holiness ;" a way in which 
the traveller is employed in watching unto prayer ; and 
the outward gain we get in this journey, is considered 
as a trust committed to us by Him, who formed and 
supports the world, and is the rightful director of the use 
and application of the products of it. 

Except the mind be preserved chaste, there is no safety 
for us ; but in an estrangement from true resignation, 
the spirit of the world casts up a way, in which gain is 
many times principally attended to, and in which there 
is a selfish application of outward treasures. 

How agreeable to the true harmony of society, is that 
exhortation of the apostle, '' Look not every man on his 
ow^n things, but every man also on the things of others. 
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." 

A person in outward prosperity may have the power 
of obtaining riches, but the same mind being in him 
which was in Christ Jesus, he may feel a tenderness of 
heart towards those of low degree ; and instead of setting 
himself above them, may look upon it as an unmerited 
favour that his w^ay through life is more easy than the 
w^ay of many others ; may improve every opportunity of 
leading forth out of those customs which have entangled 
the family ; employ his time in looking into the wants of 
the poor members, and hold forth such a perfect exam 
pie of humiliation, that the pure witness may be reached 
in many minds, and the way opened for a harmonious 
walking together. 

Jesus Christ in promoting the happiness of others, was 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. SOl 

not deficient in looking for the helpless, who lay in ob- 
scurity, nor did he save any thing to render himself hon- 
ourable among men, which might have been of more use 
to the weak members in his Father's family ; of whose 
compassion towards us I may now speak a little. He 
who w^as perfectly happy in himself, moved with infinite 
love, «' took not upon him the nature of angels," but 
our imperfect natures, and therein wrestled with the 
temptations w^hich attend us in this life ; and although he 
was the Son of Him who is greater than earthly princes, 
yet he became a companion to poor, sincere-hearted men ; 
and though he gave the clearest evidence that Divine 
power attended him, yet the most unfavourable construc- 
tions of his acts w^ere framed by a self-righteous people ; 
his miracles represented as the effect of a diabolical 
power, and endeavours used to render him hateful, as 
having his mission from the prince of darkness ; nor did 
their envy cease until they took him like a criminal and 
brought him to trial. Though some may affect to carry 
the appearance of being unmoved at the apprehension 
of distress, our dear Redeemer, who was perfectly sin- 
cere, having the same human nature which we have, and 
feeling, a little before he w^as apprehended, the weight 
of that w^ork upon him, for w^hich he came into the 
world, w^as '^sorrowful even unto death.'' Here the hu- 
man nature struggled to be excused from a cup so 
bitter; but his prayers centered in resignation, '«Not my 
will but thine be done." In this conflict, so great was 
his agony that '-sweat like drops of blood fell from hirn 
to the ground." 

Behold now, as foretold by the prophet, he is in a 
judicial manner '« numbered with the transgressors." — 
Behold him as some poor man of no reputation, standing 

2A 



302 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRt E HARMONY. 

before the high priest and elders, and before Herod and 
Pilate, where witnesses appear against him, and he. 
mindful of the most gracious design of his coming, de- 
clineth to plead in his own defence, '' but as a sheep that 
is dumb before his shearer," so under many accusations, 
re\ ilings and bufletings, he remained silent. And though 
he signified to Peter that he had access to power suffi- 
cient to overthrow^ all their outward forces ; yet retaining 
a resignation to suffer for the sins of mankind, he exerted 
not that power, but permitted them to go on in their 
malicious designs, and pronounce him to be W'Orthy of 
death, even him who was perfect in goodness. Thus, 
<'in his humihation his judgment was taken away," and 
like some vile criminal, ''he w^as led as a lamb to the 
slaughter." Under these heavy trials, though poor un- 
stable Pilate was convinced of his innocence, yet the 
people generally looked upon him as a deceiver and a blas- 
phemer, and the approaching punishment as a just judg- 
ment upon him : " They esteemed him smitten of God and 
afflicted." So great had been the surprise of his disci- 
ples, at his being taken by armed men, that they " for- 
sook him and fled :" thus they hid their faces from him, 
he was despised, and by their conduct it appeared as 
though "they esteemed him not." 

But contrary to that opinion, of his being smitten of 
God and afflicted, it was for our sakes that "he was put 
to grief; he was wounded for our transgressions ; he was 
bruised for our iniquities ;" and under the weight of them, 
manifesting the deepest compassion for the instruments 
of his misery, he laboured as their advocate, and in the 
deeps of affliction, w^ith an unconquerable patience, cried 
out, " Father forgive them, for they know not what they 
do'" 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONT, 303 

Now this mind being in us, which w^as in Cnrist Jesus, 
it removes from our hearts the desire of superiority, 
worldly honour or greatness; a deep attention is felt to 
the Divine Counsellor, and an ardent engagement to pro- 
mote as far as we may be enabled, the happiness of 
mankind universally. This 'state, where every motion 
from a selfish spirit yieldeth to pure love, I may with 
gratitude to the Father of mercies acknowledge, is often 
opened before me as a pearl to dig after; attended with 
a living concern, that amongst the many nations and 
families on the earth, those who believe in the Messiah, 
that /'he was #manifested to destroy the w^orks of the 
devil," and thus to ''take aw^ay the sins of the world," 
may experience the will of our heavenly Father, "to be 
done on earth as it is in heaven." Strong are the desires 
I often feel, that this holy profession may remain unpol- 
luted, and that the believers in Christ may so abide in 
the pure inward feeling of his Spirit, that the wisdom 
from above may shine forth in their living, as a light by 
w^hich others may be instrumentally helped on their way, 
m the true harmonious walking. 



CHAPTER III. 

On Merchandising. 

Where the treasures of pure love are opened, and we 
obediently follow Him who is the light of life, the mind 
becomes chaste ; and a care is felt, that the unction from 
the holy One may be our leader in every undertaking. 

In being crucified to the world, broken off from that 



304 CONSIDERATION S ON TRUE HARMONY. 

friendship which is enmity with God, and dead to the 
customs and fashions which have not their foundation in 
the Truth; the w^ay is prepared to lowliness in outward 
living, and to a disentanglement from those snares which 
attend the love of money; and where the faithful friends 
of Christ are so situated that merchandising appears to 
be their duty, they feel a restraint from going farther than 
he owns their proceeding; being convinced that <' we 
are not our own, but are bought with a price, that none 
of us may live to ourselves, but to Him who died for 
us." Thus they are taught not only to keep to a mod- 
erate advance and uprightness in their ilealings, but to 
consider the tendency of their proceeding ; to do nothing 
which they know would operate against the cause of 
universal righteousness, and to keep continually in view 
the spreading of the peaceable kingdom of Christ amongst 
mankind. 

The prophet Isaiah spoke of the gathered church, in 
the similitude of a city, w^here many being employed 
w^ere all preserved in purity; '^They shall call them the 
holy people, the redeemed of the Lord, and thou shalt 
be called, sought out, a city not forsaken." The apostle 
after mentioning the mystery of Christ's sufferings, ex- 
horts '' Be ye holy in all manner of conversation." There 
is a conversation necessary in trade ; and there is a con- 
versation so foreign from the nature of Christ's kingdom, 
that it is represented in the similitude of one man push- 
ing another with a warlike weapon ; '' There is that 
speaketh like the piercing of a sw^ord." In all our con- 
cerns it is necessary that the leading of the Spirit of 
Christ be humbly waited for and faithfully followed, as 
the only means of being preserved chaste as an holy 
people, who ^' in all things are circumspect;" thac nothing 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 303 

we do may carry the appearance of approbation of the 
works of wickedness, make the unrighteous more at ease 
in unrighteousness, or occasion the injuries committed 
against the oppressed to be more lightly looked over. 

Where morality is kept to and supported by the in- 
habitants of a country, there is a certain reproach attends 
those individuals amongst them, who manifestly deviate 
therefrom. Thus if a person of good report is charged 
with stealing goods out of an open shop in the day time, 
and on a public trial is found guilty, and the law in that 
case is put in execution, he therein sustains a loss of 
reputation ; but if he be convicted a second and third 
time of the like offence, his good name would cease 
amoagst such who knew these things. If his neighbour, 
reputed to be an honest man, is charged with buying 
goods .of this thief, at a time when the purchaser knew 
they were stolen, and on a public trial is found guilty, 
this purchaser would meet with disesteem ; but if he 
persisted in buying stolen goods, knowing them to be 
such, and was pubUcly convicted thereof a second and 
third time, he would no longer be considered as an 
honest man by those who knew these things ; nor would 
it appear of good report to be found in his company, or 
buying his traffic, until some evident tokens of sincere 
repentance appeared in him. But where iniquity is com- 
mitted openly, and the authors of it are not brought to 
justice or put to shame, their hands grow strong. Thus 
the general corruption of the Jews shortly before their 
state was broken up by the Chaldeans, is described by 
their boldness in impiety ; for as their leaders were con- 
nected together in wickedness, they strengthened one 
another and grew confident. '' Were they ashamed 
when they had committed abominations? nay, they were 

2a2 



306 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 

not at all ashamed, neither could they bhish ;" on which 
account the Lord thus expostulates with them, <' What 
hath my beloved to do in my house, seeing she hath 
w rought lewdness with many ? and the holy flesh is passed 
from thee : when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest." 

The faithful friends of Christ, who hunger and thirst 
after righteousness, and inwardly breathe that his king- 
dom may come on earth as it is in heaven, are taught by 
him to be quick of understanding in his fear, and to be 
very attentive to the means he may appoint for promoting 
pure righteousness in the earth ; and as shame is due to 
those whose works manifestly operate against the gracious 
design of his sufferings for us, a care lives on their minds 
that no WTong customs, however supported, may bias 
their judgments, but that they may humbly abide under 
the cross, and be preserved in a conduct which may not 
contribute to strengthen the hands of the wicked in their 
wickedness, or to remove shame from those to whom it 
is justly due. The coming of that day is precious in 
which we experience the truth of this expression, '' The 
Lord our righteousness," and feel him to be " made unto 
us wisdom and sanctification." 

The example of a righteous man is often looked at 
with attention. Where righteous men join in business 
their company gives encouragement to others; and as 
one grain of incense deliberately offered to the prince of 
this world, renders an offering to God in that state unac- 
ceptable, and from those esteemed leaders of the people 
may be injurious to the weak; it requires deep humility 
of heart to follow him faithfully, who alone gives sound 
wisdom and the spirit of true discerning. O how neces- 
sary it is to consider the weight of a holy profession ! 

The conduct of some formerly, gave occasion of com- 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. '^07 

jilaint against them, "Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries 
by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the hiiquity of 
thy traffic." And in several places it is charged against 
Israel that they had polluted the holy Name. 

The prophet Isaiah represents inward sanctification in 
the similitude of being purged from that \yhich is fuel 
for fire; and particularly describes the outward fruits, 
brought forth by those who dwell in this inward holiness, 
'' they walk righteously, and speak uprightly." By walk- 
ing he represents the journey through life, as a righteous 
journey ; and '' by speaking uprightly," seems to point at 
that which Moses appears to have had in view, when he 
thus expressed himself, '/ Thou shalt not follow a multi- 
tude to do evil, nor speak in a case to decline after many 
to wrest judgment." 

He goes on to show^ their firmness in equity ; repre- 
senting them as persons superior to all the arts of getting 
money, wdiich have not righteousness for their founda- 
tion ; "They despise the gain of oppressions:" and he 
further show^s how careful they are that no prospects of 
gain may induce them to become partial in judgment 
respecting an injury ; " They shake their hands from 
holding bribes." 

Again, w^here any interest is so connected wdth shed- 
ding blood, that the cry of innocent blood goes also w^ith 
it ; he points out their care to keep innocent blood from 
crying against them, in the similitude of a man stopping 
his ears to prevent a sound from entering his head, 
" They stop their ears from hearing of blood ;" and 
where they know that wickedness is committed, he points 
out with care, that they do not by an unguarded friend- 
ship with the authors of it, appear like unconcerned 
lookers on, but as people so deeply affected with sorrow, 



308 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 

that they cannot endure to stand by and behold it ; this 
he represents in the similitude of a man " shutting his 
eyes from seeing evil." 

''Who amonp^st us shall dwell with the devouring: 
fire? Who amongst us shall dwell with everlasting burn- 
mgs? He that walketh righteously and speakelh up- 
lightly. He that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that 
shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth 
his ears from hearing of blood, and shulteth his eyes 
from seeing evil." 

He proceeds in the spirit of prophecy to show how the 
faithful being supported under temptations, would be 
preserved from the defilement which there is in the love 
of money ; that as they who, in a reverent waiting on 
God, feel their strength renewed, are said to ''mount 
upw^ard;" so here their preservation from the snare of 
unrighteous gain, is represented in the likeness of a man, 
borne up above all crafty, artful means of getting the 
advantage of another, " They shall dwell on high ;" and 
he points out the stability and firmness of their condi- 
tion, " His place of defence shall be the munitions of 
rocks ;" and that under all the outward appearances of 
loss, in denying himself of gainful profits for righteous- 
ness sake, through the care of Him who proA^ides for the 
sparrows, he should have a supply answerable to infinite 
wisdom, " Bread shall be given him, his waters shall be 
sure." And as our Saviour mentions the sight of God 
to be attainable by "the pure in heart," so here the 
prophet pointed out, how in true sanctification the un- 
derstanding is opened, to behold the peaceable harmo- 
nious nature of his kingdom, "thine eyes shall see the 
King in his beauty;" and that looking beyond all the 
afflictions which attend the righteous, to "a habitatioL 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 309 

eternal in the heavens," with an eye divinely opened, 
they ''shall behold the land that is very far off'." 

«' He shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall 
be the munitions of rocks, bread shall be given him, 
his water shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the King 
in his beauty ; they shall behold the land that is very far 
off'." 

I often remember, and to me the subject is awful, that 
the great Judge of all the earth doeth that which is right, 
and that he " before whom the nations are as the drop 
of a bucket,'" is '' no respecter of persons." Happy for 
them, who like the inspired prophet, ''in the way of* his 
judgments, wait for him." 

When we feel him to sit as a refiner with fire, and 
know a resignedness wrought in us, to that which he 
appoints for us, his blessing in a very low estate, is 
found to be more precious than much outward treasure, 
in those ways of life where the leadings of his Spirit are 
not followed. 

The prophet, in a sight of the Divine work amongst 
many people, declared in the name of the Lord, " I wall 
gather all nations and tongues, and they shall come and 
see my glory." And again, "from the rising of the sun 
to the going down of the same, my name shall be great 
amongst the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall 
be offered to my name, and a pure offering." 

Behold here how the prophets had an inward sense 
of the spreading of the kingdom of Christ ; and how he 
was spoken of as one who should " take the heathen for 
his inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for his 
possession ;" that " he was given for a light to the Gen-" 
ales ; and for salvation to the ends of the earth." 

When we meditate on this Divine work, as a work of 



310 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 

ages ; a work that the prophets felt long before Chns^ 
appeared visibly on earth, and remember the bitter ago- 
nies he endured when he ^'poured out his soul untc 
death," that the heathen nations as well as others, might 
come to the knowledge of the Truth and be saved ; 
w^hen we contemplate this marvellous work, as that 
which "the angels desire to look into," and behold 
people amongst whom this light hath eminently broken 
forth, and who have received many favours from the 
bountiful hand of our heavenly Father, not only indiffer- 
ent with respect to publishing the glad tidings amongst 
the ^Gentiles, as yet sitting in darkness and entangled 
with many superstitions ; but aspiring after wealth and 
worldly honours, and taking means to obtain their ends, 
tending to stir up wrath and indignation, and to beget 
an abhorrence in them to the name of Christianity — 
when these things are weightily attended to, how mourn- 
ful is the subject? 

It is worthy of remembrance, that people in different 
ages, deeply baptized into the nature of that work for 
which Christ suffered, have joyfully offered up their 
liberty and lives for promoting it in the earth. 

Policarp, who was reputed a disciple of St. John, 
having attained to great age, was at length sentenced to 
die for his religion, and being brought to the fire, prayed 
nearly as follows, '^ Thou God and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, by whom I have received the knowledge 
of thee ! God of the angels and powers, and of every 
living creature, and of all sorts of just men who live in 
thy presence ; I thank thee, that thou hast graciously 
vouchsafed this day and this hour to allot me a portion 
among the number of martyrs, among the people of 
Christ, unto the resurrection of everlasting ^ife ; among 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONV. 31 1 

whom I shall be received in thy sight, this day, as a 
fruitful and acceptable sacrifice : wherefore for all this, I 
praise thee, I bless thee, I glorify thee through the ever- 
lasting High Priest, Jesus Christ, thy well-beloved Son , 
to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory, 
world without end. Amen." 

Bishop Latimer, when sentence of death by fire, was 
pronounced against him, on account of his firmness in 
the cause of religion, said, '« I thank God most heartily, 
that he hath prolonged my life to this end ; that I may, 
in this case glorify him by this kind of death." Fox's 
Acts and Monuments, page 936. 

William Dewsbury, who had suffered much for his 
religion, in his last sickness, encouraging his friends to 
faithfulness, made mention, like good old Jacob, of the 
loving-kindness of God to him in the course of his life, 
and that through the power of Divine love, he for Christ's 
sake had joyfully entered prisons. 

I mention these, as a few examples, out of many, of 
ne powerful operation of the Spirit of Christ, where 
people are fully devoted to it, and of the ardent longings 
in their minds for the spreading of his kingdom amongst 
mankind. Now to those, in the present age, who truly 
know Christ, and feel the nature of his peaceable govern- 
ment opened in their understandings, how loud is the 
call wherewith we are called to faithfulness ; that in fol- 
lowing this pure light of life, '^ we as workers together 
with him," may labour in that great work for which he 
was offered as a sacrifice on the cross ; and that his 
peaceable doctrines may shine through us in their real 
harmony, at a time when the name of Christianity has 
become hateful to many of the heathen. 

When Gehazi had obtained treasures which the prophet 



312 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 

under Divine direction had refused, and was returned 
from the business ; the prophet, troubled at his conduct, 
queried if it was a time thus to prepare for specious liv- 
ing. <' Is it a time to receive money and garments, men 
servants and maid servants ? The leprosy therefore of 
Naaman shall cleave to thee and to thy seed for ever." 
O that we may lay to heart the condition of the present 
time, and humbly follow his counsel, who alone is able 
to prepare the way for a true harmonious walking amongst 
mankind. 



CHAPTER IV. 

On Divine admonitions. 

Such are the perfections of our heavenly Father, that 
in all the dispensations of his providence, it is our duty, 
<^ in every thing, to give thanks." Though from the first 
settlement of this part of America, he hath not extended 
his judgments to the degree of famine, yet w^orms at 
times have come forth beyond numbering, and laid waste 
fields of grain and grass, where they have appeared: 
another kind, in great multitudes, working out of sight, 
in grass ground, have so eaten the roots that the surface, 
being loosened from the soil beneath, might be taken ofl' 
in great sheets. 

These devouring creatures appearing seldom, ard 
coming in such multitudes, their generation appears dif- 
ferent from most other reptiles, and by the prophet they 
were called '' God's army sent amongst the people." 

There have been tempests of hail, which have very 
much destroyed the grain where they extended. Through 



CONSIDERAIIO.VS ON TRUE HARMONY. 313 

long drought in summer, grain in some places has been 
less than half the usual quantity ;* and in the continuance 
thereof, I have beheld with attention, from week to week, 
how dryness from the top of the earth, hath extended 
deeper and deeper, while the corn and plants have lan- 
guished ; and with reverence my mind has been turned 
toward Him, who being perfect in goodness, in wisdom 
and power, doeth all thuigs right. After long drought, 
when the sky has grown dark with a collection of mat- 
ter, and clouds like lakes of water have hung over our 
heads, from whence the thirsty land has been soaked ; 
I have at times, with awfulness beheld the vehement 
operation of lightning, made sometimes to accompany 
these blessings, as a messenger from Him who created 
all things, to remind us of our duty in a right use of 
those benefits, and to give striking admonitions, that we 
do not misapply those gifts, in which an Almighty power 
is exerted, in bestowing them upon us. 

When I have considered that many of our fellow- 
creatures suffer much in some places, for want of the 
necessaries of life, whilst those who rule over them are 
too much given to luxury and divers vanities ; and be- 
hold the apparent deviation from pure wisdom amongst 
us, in the use of the outward gifts of God ; those marks 
of famine have appeared like humbling admonitions from 
him, that we might be instructed by gentle chastisements, 
and might seriously consider our ways ; remembering 
that the outward supply of life is a gift from our heavenly 
Father, and that we should not venture to use, or to 
apply his gifts, in a way contrary to pure wisdom. 

* When crops fail, I often feel a tender care that the case of 
poor tenants may be mercifully considered. 

2^ 



314 CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMGxVY. 

Should we continue to reject those merciful admoni* 
lions, and use his gifts at home, contrary to the gracious 
design of the giver, or send them abroad in a^ way of 
trade, which the Spirit of Truth doth not lead into ; and 
should he whose eyes are upon all our ways, extend his 
chastisements so far as to reduce us to much greater dis- 
tress than hath yet been felt by these provinces ; with 
what sorrow of heart might we meditate on that saying, 
*' Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou 
hast forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led thee by 
the w^ay ? Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and 
thy backslidings shall reprove thee : know^ therefore and 
see, that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast for- 
saken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, 
saith the Lord God of hosts." 

My mind has often been affected with sorrow^, in be- 
holding a wrong application of the gifts of our heavenly 
Father ; and those expressions concerning the defilement 
of the earth hath been opened to my understanding, 
" The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was 
filled with violence." Again, '' The earth also, is de- 
filed under the inhabitants thereof, because they have 
broken the everlasting covenant." 

The earth being the w^ork of a Divine pow er, may not 
as su«"h be accounted unclean ; but when violence is 
committed thereon, and the channel of righteousness so 
obstructed, that «' in our skirts are found the blood of 
the souls of poor innocents ; not by a secret search but 
upon all these"* — w^hen blood, shed unrighteously, re- 
mains unatoned for, and the inhabitants are not effect- 



* See a Caution and Warning to Great Britain and hercolonieg 
page 3 1 



CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY. 315 

ually purged from it, when they do not wash their hands 
in innocency, as was figured in the law, in the case of 
one being found slain ; but seek for gain arising from 
scenes of violence and oppression, here the land is pol* 
luted with blood. Deut. xxi, 6. 

Moreover, when the earth is planted and tilled, and 
the fruits brought forth are applied to support unright- 
eous purposes ; here the gracious design of Infinite Good- 
ness, in these his gifts, being perverted,' the earth is 
defiled ; and the complaint formerly uttered becomes 
applicable ; " Thou hast made me to serve with thy sins ; 
thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities." 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

FIB8T PRINTED IN LONDON, 1773, 

CHAPTER I 

On loving our neighbours as ourselves. 

When we love the Lord with all our hearts, and his 
creatures in his love, we are then preserved in tender- 
ness both toward mankind and the animal creation ; but 
if another spirit gets room in our minds, and we follow 
it in our proceedings, we are then in the way of disor- 
dering the affairs of society. 

If a man, successful in business, expends part of his 
income in things ot no real use, while the poor employed 
by him pass through great difficulties in getting the ne- 
cessaries of life, this requires his serious attention. 

If several principal men in business unite in setting the 
wages of those who work for hire, and therein have re- 
gard to a profit to themselves, answerable to unnecessary 
expense in their families, while the wages of the others 
on a moderate industry will not afford a comfortable 
living for their families, and a proper education for their 
children ; this is like laying a temptation in the way of 
some to strive for a place higher than they are in, when 
they have not stock sufficient for it. 

I feel a concern in the spring of pure love, that all who 
have plenty of outward substance, may example others 
.^16 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 317 

in the right use of things ; may carefully look in o the con- 
dition of poor people, and beware of exacting on them 
with regard to their wages. 

While hired labourers, by moderate industry, through 
the Divine blessing, may live comfortably, rear up fami- 
lies, and give them suitable education, it appears reason- 
able for them to be contented with their wages. 

If they w^ho have plenty, love their fellow-creatures in 
that love which is Divine, and in all their proceedings 
have an equal regard to the good of mankind universally, 
their place in society is a place of care, an office requir- 
ing attention, and the more we possess, the greater is 
our trust, and with an increase of treasure, an increase 
of care becomes necessary. 

When our will is subject to the will of God, and in 
relation to the things of this world, we have nothing in 
view, but a comfortable living equally with the rest of 
our fellow-creatures, then outward treasures are no fur- 
ther desirable than as we feel a gift in our minds equal 
to the trust, and strength to act as dutiful children in Hi: 
service, who hath formed all mankind, and appointed r 
subsistence for us in this world. 

A desire for treasures on any other motive, appears to 
be against that command of our blessed Saviour, '' Lay 
not up for yourselves treasures on earth." 

He forbids not laying up in the summer against the wants 
of winter ; nor doth he teach us to be slothful in that 
which properly relates to our being in this world ; but in 
this prohibition he puts in yourselves^ '^ Lay not up for 
yourselves treasures on earth." 

Now in the pure light, this language is understood, 
for in the love of Christ there is no respect of persons ; 
and while w^e abide in his love, we live not to oui^^ives, 

2b2 



318 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

out to him who died for us. And as we are thaS united 
in spirit to Christ, we are engaged to labour in promot- 
ing that work in the earth for which he suffered. 

In this state of mind our desires are, that everj^ honest 
member in society may have a portion of treasure an,^ 
shs>r^ of trust, answerable to that gift, with which our 
heavenly Father hath gifted us. 

I^ ^eat treasure, there is a great trust. 

A great trust requireth great care. 

But the laborious mind wants rest. 

A pious man is content to do a share of business in 
society, answerable to the gifts with which he is endowet: 
while the channel^? "^f business are free from unrighteour- 
ness, but is careful lest at any time his heart be oves- 
charged. 

In the harmonious spirit of society '' Christ is all in 
all." 

Here it is that " old things are put away, all things 
are become new, all things are of God," and the desire 
for outward riches is at an end. 

They of low degree who have small gifts, enjoy the 
help of those who have large gifts ; those with small gifts, 
have a small degree of care, while those with large gifts, 
have a large degree of care : and thus to abide in the love 
of Christ, and enjoy a comfortable living in this world, 
IS all that is aimed at by those members in society, to 
whom Christ is made wisdom and righteousness. 

But when they who have much treasure, are not faith 
ful stewards of the gifts of God, great difficulties attend. 

This matter hath deeply affected my mind. The Lord, 
through merciful chastisements, hath given me a feeling 
of that love, in which the harmony of society standeth, 
and a sight of the growth of that seed which bringeth forth 



KEMAUKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 319 

wars and great calamities in the world; and a labour 
attends me to open it to others. 

To act with integrity, according to that strength of 
mind and body with which our Creator hath endowed 
each of us, appears necessary for all, and he who thus 
stands in the lowest station, appears to be entitled to 
as comfortable and convenient a living, as he whose 
gifts of mind are greater, and whose cares are most 
extensive. 

If some endowed with strong understanding as men, 
abide not in the harmonious state, in which we '^ love 
our neighbours as ourselves," but walk in that spirit in 
which the children of this world are wise in their genera- 
tion ; these by the strength of contrivance may sometimes 
gather great treasure. But the wisdom of this world is 
foolishness with God ; and if we gather treasures in 
worldly wisdom, we lay up " treasures for ourselves ;" 
and great treasure managed in any other spirit, than the 
Spirit of Truth, disorder the affairs of society ; for hereby 
the good gifts of God in his outward creation are turned 
into the channels of worldly honour, and frequently ap- 
plied to support luxury, while the wages of poor labour- 
ers are such, that with moderate industry and frugality 
they may not live comfortably, rear up families, and give 
them suitable education, but through the straitness of 
their condition, are often drawn on to labour under wea- 
riness, to toil through hardships themselves, and frequent- 
ly to oppress those useful animals with which we are 
entrusted. 

From age to age, throughout all ages. Divine love is 
that alone, in which dominion has been, is, and will be 
rigntly conducted. 

In this the endowments of men are so employed, that 



320 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

the friend and the governor are united in one, and op- 
pressive customs come to an end. 

Riches in the hands of individuals in society, are 
attended with some degree of power; and so far as 
power is put forth separate from pure love, so far the 
government of the Prince of peace is interrupted; and as 
we know not that our children after us will dwell in that 
state in which power is rightly applied, to lay up riches 
for them appears to be against the nature of his govern- 
ment. 

The earth, through the labour of men, under the bless- 
mg of Him who formed it, yieldeth a supply for the in- 
habitants from generation to generation, and they who 
walk in the pure light, have their minds prepared to taste 
and relish not only those blessings which are spiritual, 
but also feel a sweetness and satisfaction in a right use 
of the good gifts of God in the visible creation. 

Here we see that man's happiness stands not in great 
possessions, but in a heart devoted to follow^ Christ, in 
that use of things, where customs contrary to universal 
love have no power over us. 

In this state our hearts are prepared to trust in God, 
and our desires for our children and posterity are, that 
they, with the rest of mankind in ages to come, may be 
of that number of whom he hath said, '' I will be a father 
to them, and they shall be my sons and daughters." 

When wages in a fruitful land bear so small a propor- 
tion to the necessaries of life, that poor honest people 
who have families, cannot by a moderate industry attain 
to a comfortable living, and give their children sufficient 
learning, but must either labour to a degree of oppres- 
sion, or else omit that which appears to be a duty, 
while ♦his is the case with the poor, there is an inclina 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 321 

tion in the minds of most people, to prepare at least so 
much treasure for their children, that they with care and 
moderate industry may live free from the hardships which 
the poor pass through. 

This subject requires our serious consideration : to 
labour that our children may be put in a way to live 
comfortably, appears in itself to be a duty, so long as 
our labours are consistent with universal righteousness, 
but if in striving to shun poverty, we do not walk in that 
state where '« Christ is our life," then we wander. '' He 
that hath the Son, hath life." '<- This life is the light of 
men." If we walk not in this light, we walk in dark- 
ness, and '' he that walketh in darkness, knoweth not 
w^nther he goeth." 

To keep to right means in labouring to attain a right 
end is necessary: if in striving to shun poverty, we strive 
only in that state where Christ is the light of our life, our 
labours will stand in the true harmony of society ; but if 
people are confident that the end aimed at is good, and 
in this confidence pursue it so eagerly, as not to wait for 
the Spirit of Truth to lead them, then they come to loss. 
" Christ is given to be a leader and commander of the 
people." Again, '^ The Lord shall guide thee continu- 
ally." Again, '' Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us, foi 
thou also hast wrought all our works in us." '' In the 
Lord have we righteousness and strength." 

In this state our minds are preserved watchful in follow- 
ing the leadings of his Spirit in all our proceedings, and a 
care is felt for a reformation in general; that our own 
posterity, with the rest of mankind in succeeding ages, 
may not be entangled by oppressive customs, transmitted 
to them through our hands. But if people in the narrow- 
ness of natural love, are afraid that their children will be 



322 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

oppressed by the rich, and through an eager desire to gef 
treasures, depart from the pure leadings of Truth in one 
case, though it may seem to be a small matter, yet the 
mind even in that small matter may be emboldened to 
continue in a way of proceeding, without waiting for the 
Divine Leader. 

Thus people may grow expert in business, wise in the 
wisdom of this world, retain a fair reputation amongst 
men, and yet being strangers to the voice of Christ, the 
safe leader of his flock, the treasures thus gotten, may be 
like snares to the feet of their posterity. 

In keeping faithful to the pure Counsellor, and under 
trying circumstances sufiering adversity for righteousness 
sake, there is a reward. 

If w^e being poor, are hardly dealt with by those who 
are rich, and under this difficulty are frugal and indus- 
trious, and in true humility open our case to them who 
oppress us, this may reach the pure witness in their 
minds ; and though we should remain under difficulties 
as to the outward, yet if we abide in the love of Christ, 
all will work for our good. 

When we feel what it is to suffer in the true suffering 
state, we experience the truth of those expressions, that 
'' as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our conso- 
lation aboundeth by Christ." 

But if poor people who are hardly dealt with, do not 
attain to the true suffering state, do not labour m true 
love with those who deal hardly with them, but envy 
their outward greatness, murmur in their hearts because 
of their own poverty, and strive in the wisdom of thiji 
world to get riches for themselves and their children , 
this is like wandering in the dark. 

If we who are of a middle station between riches and 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 323 

pt verty, are affected at times with the oppressions of the 
poor, and feel a tender regard for our posterity aftei uS ; 
O how necessary is it that we wait for the pure counsel 
of Truth! 

Many who have seen the hardships of the poor, have 
felt an eager desire that their children may be put in a 
way to escape these hardships ; but how few have con- 
tinued in that pure love which openeth our understand- 
ings to proceed rightly under these difficulties ! 

How few have faithfully followed that holy Leader 
who prepares his people to labour for the restoration of 
true harmony amongst our fellow-creatures! 

"In the pure Gospel spirit we walk by faith and not 
by sight." 

In the obedience of faith we die to the narrowness of 
self-love, and our life being hid with Christ in God, our 
hearts are enlarged toward mankind universally ; but in 
departing from the true light of life, many in striving to 
get treasures have stumbled upon the dark mountains. 

That purity of life which proceeds from faithfulness in 
following the Spirit of Truth, that state w^here our minds 
are devoted to serve God, and all our wants are bounded 
by his wisdom, this habitation has often been opened 
before me as a place of retirement for the children of the 
light, where w^e may stand separated from that w^hich dis- 
ordereth and confuseth the affairs of society, and where we 
may have a testimony of our innocence in the hearts of 
those who behold us. 

Through departing from the Truth as it is in Jesus, 
through introducing ways of life attended with unneces- 
sary expenses, many wants have arisen, the minds of 
people have been employed in studying to get w^ealth, 
Slid in this pursuit some departing from equity, have 



324 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

retained a profession of religion ; others have looked ai 
^^heir example, and thereby been strengthened to proceed 
further in the same way : thus many have encouraged the 
trade of taking men from Africa and selling them as slaves. 

It has been computed that nearly one hundred thousand 
negroes have of late years been taken annually from that 
coast, by ships employed in the English trade. 

As I have travelled on religious visits in some parts of 
America, I have seen many of these people under the 
command of overseers, in a painful servitude. 

I have beheld them as Gentiles under people profess- 
ing Christianity, not only kept ignorant of the holy Scrip- 
ures, but under great provocations to wrath ; of whom it 
mav truly be said, '' They that rule over them make them 
to lh)\vl, and the holy Name is abundantly blasphemed." 
Where children are taught to read the Sacred Writings 
while young, and exampled in meekness and humility, it 
is often helpful to them ; nor is this any more than a debt 
due from us to a succeeding age. 

But w^here youth are pinched for want of the necessa- 
ries of life, forced to labour hard under the harsh rebukes 
of rigorous overseers, and many times endure unmerciful 
whippings ; in such an education how great are the dis- 
advantages they lie under ! And how forcibly do these 
things work against the increase of the government of the 
Prince of peace. 

Humphrey Smith, in his works, page 125, speaking of 
the tender feelings of the love of God in his heart when 
he was a child, said, " By the /r»lent wrathful nature 
that ruled in others, was my quietness disturbed, and 
anger begotten in me toward them, yet that of God in 
me was not wholly overcome, but his love was felt in my 
heait, and great was my grief when the earthly-minded- 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 325 

ness and wrathful nature so provoked me, that I was 
estranged from it. 

<< And this I write as a warning to parents and others, 
that in the fear of the Hving God you may train up the 
youth, and may not be a means of bringing them into 
such ahenation." 

Many are the vanities and luxuries of the present age, 
and in labouring to support a way of living conformable 
to the present world, the departure from that wisdom 
that is pure and peaceable, has been great. 

Under the sense of a deep revolt, and an overflowing 
stream of unrighteousness, my life has been often a life 
of mourning, and tender desires are raised in me, that 
the nature of this practice may be laid to heart. 

I have read some books written by people who were 
acquainted with the manner of getting slaves in Africa. 
I have had verbal relations of this nature from several 
negroes brought from Africa, who have learned to talk 
English. 

I have sundry times heard Englishmen speak on this 
subject, who have been in Africa on this business ; and 
from all these accounts it appears evident that great vio- 
lence is committed, and much blood shed in Africa in 
getting slaves. 

When three or four hundred slaves are put in the hold 
of a vessel in a hot climate, their breathing soon affects 
the air. Were that number of free people to go passengers 
with all things proper for their voyage, there would incon- 
venience arise from their number ; but slaves are taken 
by violence, and they frequently endeavour to kill the 
white people, that they may return to their native land. 
Hence tTiey are kept under confinement, by means of 
which a scent ariseth in the hold of a ship, and distem- 

2C 



326 REMARKS ON SUKDRY SUBJECTS. 

pers often break out amongst them, of which many die. 
Of this tainted air in the hold of ships freighted with 
slaves, I have had several accounts, some in print and 
some verbal, and all agree that the scent is grievous. 
When these people are sold in America and in the 
islands, they are made to labour in a manner more servile 
and constant, than that which they were used to at hnino, 
that with grief, with different diet from what has been 
common with them, and with hard labour, some thou- 
sands are computed to die every year, in what is called 
the seasoning.* 

* In perusing the writings of this worthy man, the reader can- 
not fail to observe how large a portion of his attention was occu- 
pied in contemplating the wrongs and cruelties of negro slaver}' 
and the slave ti-ade^ and how deeply and tenderly he sympathised 
with the suffering victims of those crying- evils. The firm but 
temperate tone of his writings in relation to them, and his earnest 
and moving remonstrances with the oppressors, are models worthy 
of imitation. It is the benign, the just and the merciful spirit of 
the Gospel which mUvSt eradicate slavery from our country if it is 
done by peaceful methods j and the closer we keep to the lead- 
ings of this spirit, the more successful will be our efforts in this 
righteous cause. If the evils attendant on slavery, occasioned so 
much painful concern and exercise of mind to John Woolman, at 
the time in which he lived, how much more deeply would he 
suffer now, when the number of its helpless victims is so vastly 
multiplied. We must not admit the idea, that praiseworthy as 
'^'ere his sympathy and benevolent exertions on behalf of these 
oppressed people, they were suited to other times and other cir- 
cumstance' s than those under which we live, and that we are 
exempted from the obligation of those principles and feelings 
which actuated him and his fellow-labourers in the cause of 
suffering humanity. Within these United States, more than two 
millions of our fellow-beings ar^ groaning under the wrongs and 
cruelties of hopeless, unconditioi?x\ bondage, and we cannot doubt 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 327 

Thus it appears evident, that great numbers of these 
people are brought every year to an untimely end ; many 
of them being persons who never injured us. 

Where the innocent suffer under hard-hearted men, 

but that the sighs and the tears extorted from them by the iron 
hand of oppression, are noticed by th/t gracious and impartial 
Beingj who made of one blood all the letmilies of the earth, and 
who declares himself to be the refuge of the poor, the refuge of 
the needy in his distress. 

Since the enactment of laws for the abolishment of the foreign 
slave-trade and declaring it piracy, it has claimed but a small 
share of the public attention, and the idea seems to have obtained 
considerable currency, that it had nearly ceased. But the truth 
is, that not only the extent of the traffic is greatly increased, but 
the horrors and cruelties attendant on its prosecution are dread- 
fully aggravated. The trade being contraband, the vessels em- 
ployed in it are constructed for fast sailing, in order to elude the 
vigilance of the cruisers who are watching them. This mode of 
construction diminishes the space allowed the poor slaves and 
increases their sufferings to a frightful degrc^.e. while the laws 
which regulated the number of slaves taken on board, in propor- 
tion to the tonnage of the vessel, and made some other humane 
provisions to lessen their sufferings, are of course all inoperative. 
Thus the wretched victims of this abominable traffic are wholly 
at the mercy of a class of men, who seem actuated only by 
cupidity and the worst passions which degrade the human species. 

The following statements founded mainly on official docu- 
ments, w^ill give some idea of the present state of the foreign 
slave-trade. 

It appears that after making ample allowance for all doubtful 
cases, not less than one hundred and fifty thousand slaves are 
iinnually imported from Africa into Cuba, Brazil and Porto Rico, 
Desides a large number, (not less than fifty thousand more) wh 
are carried every year to Texas, the United States and otht 
countries. 

As these slaves are chieiiy the victims of rapine, or «]:. isone, 



328 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

even unto death, and the channels of equity are sc 
obstructed, that the cause of the sufferers is not 
judged in righteousness, '' the land is polluted witii 
blood." 

taken in predatory warfare, the number who are killed in pro- 
curing them is great, not less probably than those who are cap- 
tured. During the long forced marches to the sea-coast, over 
ourning sands, destitute of food and of water, and subjected to 
great cruelties; vast numbers perish: and while waiting for a 
market at the places of deposit on the sea-board, contagious 
diseases and sickness occasioned by grief, confinement and star- 
vation, occasion great mortality. 

On the passage across the Atlantic, it is well ascertained, that 
the deaths are fully twenty-five per cent, of the whole number 
shipped 'y and of those who are landed at the place of destination, 
twenty per cent, die in the seasoning and from other causes. 

Thus we are warranted in the conclusion, that at a moc^^rate 
estimate, for the two hundred thousand slaves annually taken 
from Africa, three hundred thousand are sacrificed, and that the 
continent is thus despoiled of half a million of its inhabitanta 
every year. 

We have already said that many of the slaves were prisoners 
of war : 

These wars are not the consequence of a disposition naturally 
quarrelsome, but are the immediate offspring of cupidity, sharp- 
ened up and roused to action by the arrival of a slave ship. 
Others of these wretched beings are the innocent victims of a 
corrupt system of jurispmdence, which owes its existence to tlie 
same fruitful source of human misery. This unjust system places 
the poor natives wholly at the mercy of the petty despots v/ho 
rule the country. He who has enriched himself by his industiy, 
or who has a numerous family of fine children, the sale of which 
would produce a handsome sum, seldom escapes the notice of 
his chieftain. Crimes are invented and promoted, and accusa- 
tions multiplied, solely with the hope of procuring condemna- 
tions, the punishment annexed to which is, ' Sal«^ to the Slave 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. M":) 

Where blood hath been shed unrighteously, and re- 
mains unatoned for, the cry thereof is very piercing. 

Under the humbling dispensations of Divine Provi- 
dence, this cry hath deeply affected my heart, and I feel 

Merchant.' Many are the victims of a system of avowed rapine 
' and plunder — ^peacefully pursuing their agricultural or mechanical 
occupations, they are seized by ruffians who had concealed them- 
selves in ambush^ are gagged, bound, and borne away to the 
slave ship. All these are the effects of the strong temptations 
held out by the white men who visit their shores, to procure car- 
goes of slaves : for the natives, when unprovoked by their artifices, 
evince mild and pacific dispositions; but no sooner does a ship 
drop anchor, than avarice, hatred, revenge, and all the malevolent 
passions which agitate the human breast, seem at once roused 
into action. 

Upon the authority of Mango Parke, an eye witness of the 
facts, and whose interesting travels in xA.frica are before the public, 
M^e state the following facts: — Those who are captured or stolen 
in the vicinity of the sea-coast, sufi'er comparatively but little 
from the fatigue of travelling; but such as are brought from the 
interior of the country endure the most grievous sufferings during 
a journey of several moons, over rugged rocks and burning sands, 
and through inhospitable and dangerous deserts. They are 
secured by locking the right leg of one and the left leg of another 
in the same pair of fetters, which they must support by a string 
in order to enable them to walk w^ithout very great torture. 
Every four slaves are tied together by a rope of strong twisted 
thongs, passed round their necks, and at night an. additional pair 
of fetters is put upon their hands. The scorching heat of the 
sun and sand, the weight of their irons, added to the burdens 
which they are compelled to carry, weary and oppress tl cm to 
60 dreadful a degree as to induce sickness, vomiting, and fre- 
quently fainting; but regardless of their sufferings, they are 
goaded and spurred along by the cruel application of the lacerating 
»ash, till many actually expire under their complicated miseries. 

\n an investigation into the character and effects of the slave 

2c2 



330 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

a concern to open, as I may be enabled, that which lieth 
heavy on my mind. 

When '< the iniquity of the house of Israel and of 
Judah was exceedingly great, when the land was defiled 

trade, which took place before a committee of the British Par- 
hament, numerous witnesses who were examined under the 
solemn oblig^ation of an oath or affirmation; agree in stating that 
when on board the vessels, the slaves appear melancholy and 
dejected; that many continue so during the whole of the voyage, 
and that their dejection evidently arises from the anguish of 
their feelirjgs on being separated forever from their country. 
their homeSj their beloved families and friends. From the same 
respectable and authentic source we draw the following informa- 
tion: — The men are chained together in pairs — the right leg of 
one is fettered to the left leg of another, in which situation they 
are stowed into the hold of the vessel — the women and children, 
however, are not chained and ironed like the men. When the 
weather is fair, they are brought up out of their prisons for the 
benefit of a pure air, and to take their meals. For this purpose 
the men are distributed on the deck in long rows, two by two, 
from head to stern, but to prevent their rising, and to secure them 
from jumping overboard, which they often attempt, a long chain 
is passed through the irons of each couple and locked down to 
the deck at both ends. 

When the vessel is full, their condition is wTctched indeed. In 
the best regulated ships, a full grown man has no more space 
allowed him to lie upon than sixteen inches, which is less than 
he would have in a coffin — while the height of the apartment is 
about thirty-two inches. There are few vessels, however, in 
which even this limited space is allowed them. In many they 
are so closely stowed that the poor creatures are compelled to lie 
upon their sides, while the top of the hold in which they are 
crammed is so very low^ as wholly to prevent their sitting upright. 
Besides all these evils, they are entirely naked, and lie upon the 
bare boards, in which situation the constant motion of the vessel 
bruises and excoriates different parts of their bodies- —the rubbing 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 33; 

with blood, and the city full of perverseness ; some were 
found sighing and crying for the abominations of the 
times." And those who live under a right feeling of 
our condition as a nation, I trust will be sensible that the 

of their irons lacerates and inflames their legs, occasioning con- 
stant torture, from which they can seldom procure even the 
smallest intermission 

But horrible beyond all description, are the agonies which they 
endure, when it blows a heavy gale, and the hatchings and 
gratings are of necessity shut down. No language can possibly 
portray even a faint picture of their deplorable condition. In the 
extremity of anguish they are often heard to cry out in the lan- 
guage of their country. ^-We are dying! We are dying !^' 
Imagine to yourselves several hundreds of human beings shut up 
close in the hold of a vessel in a warm climate, the circulation 
of air wholly excluded, while thp heat, the excretions of their 
bodies, and the filth of the boards they lie upon, are emitting the 
most noisome effluvia — add to this, the dreadful effects of the 
increased motion of the vessel, the shrieks of the swooning, and 
the groans of the dying, and your imagination may present some 
idea of what these miserable beings are compelled to suffer in a 
voyage to our country. The steam which comes at this time from 
their bodies, and which ascends through the little crevices of the 
gratings, has been compared by some of the witnesses, to that 
which issues from the mouth of a furnace. Many of therr» 
fainting from the heat, stench and corrupted air, have been 
brought upon deck in a dying state, while others have actually 
expired of suffocation, who but a few^ hours before were in ap- 
parent health. Horrible as this description may appear, many 
circumstances are omitted which w^ould greatly aggravate it. We 
can refer to the most credible testimony for cases, where they 
have been afflicted w^ith contagious diseases, especially the flux, 
when, says one of the w^itnesses, the floor of their prison was 
covered with blood and mucus like that of a slaughter-house.— 
See the Evidence before the Committee of Parliament before 
referred to. 



332 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

Lord at this day doth call to mourning, though manj are 
ignorant of it. So powerful are bad customs when they 
become general, that people growing bold through the 
example one of another, have often been unmoved at the 
most serious warnings. 

It is not surprising that these poor creatures, groaning under 
the horrors of such complicated misery should seek that relief in 
death, which they have no reason to hope for from any other 
source, and hence it is that opportunities for destroying them- 
selves are anxiously watched for and seized with an avidity 
almost beyond belief. The most common method of effecting 
this, is by throwing themselves into the sea, although every 
avenue of escape by such means is carefully guarded. The men 
are not only locked to the deck as before mentioned, but strong 
nettings are fastened around the ship which reach from the deck 
to a considerable height in the rigging. But notwithstanding 
these precautions, and the terrible example of shooting some who 
attempt to leap overboard, the instances where they thus destroy 
themselves are numerous, and where they are frustrated in the 
attempt this way, they resort to other means to attain their object. 
The keenest foresight on the part of their oppressors cannot 
always prevent them. When ropes have been left about the 
deck, some have seized the opportunity and strangled them- 
selves — when small instruments, or even pieces of iron have 
come within their reach, others have been discovered to have 
made mortal wounds with them upon their bodies, and many to 
whom all these means have failed, resolutely refuse to take any 
sustenance, when after pining in great misery for several days, 
the welcome hand of death has at last terminated their sufferings. 
Numerous are the distances of females of very delicate tempera- 
ment of body and mind, whose feelings are more tender, and 
who have a more acute sense of their situation, but possess less 
resolution, where a continually increasing melancholy has ter- 
minated in niL dness, in which pitiable condition they have 
remained for the short remnant of their days. Such are the 
melancholy scenes which are continually passing on board the 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 333 

Uur blessed Saviour speaking of the people of the old 
world, said, <' They eat, they drank, they married and 
were given in marriage, until the day that Noah went 
into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them 
all." 

slave ships from the period of leaving the coast of Africa, until 
they arrive at the place of destination, during which time a con- 
siderable mortality occurs. From the evidence before quoted^ it 
appears that out of seven thousand nine hundred and four slaves 
who sailed with the witnesses at different times, two thousand 
and fifty-three perished in the short space of six or eight weeks, 
though all of them were young and healthy when brought on 
board — the oldest slave seldom being more than twenty-five years 
of age. What a murderous, what a cruel devastation of the 
human race is hereby occasioned ! What an impious rebellion 
against the will and the designs of a benificent Providence! 

It is impossible that men can frequently participate in such 
scenes as those we have been endeavouring to describe, wiihout 
becoming hardened in cruelty and in wickedness. There is no 
doubt that many when they first commence this diabolical em- 
ploy, find it necessary to suppress and stifle the feelings of 
humanity* but every suppression of benevolent feeling does 
violence to the tenderness of the human heart; it steels and 
blunts its virtuous sensibility, and prepares it for the commission 
of acts of greater atrocity. Such is precisely the case of slave 
traders. By degrees they are brought to view with indifference, 
and then to perpetrate acts of the most shocking barbarity — acts, 
the bare recital of which would cause a feeling mind to shudder 
with abhorrence. — They are taught by repeated cruelties, to re- 
gard the cries, the tears, and the sufferings of a fellow -creature 
whom they have purchased, no more than they would the drown- 
ing of a fly ! To the truth of our assertions let the following 
facts testify : 

*^ On board a foreign ship called the Zong, many of the slaves 
nad died, and the mortality was spreading so rapidly that the 
captain began to fear he should lose them all. He therefor** 



334 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

The like lie spoke concerning the people of Sodom, 
who are also represented by the prophet, as haughty, 
luxurious and oppressive ; '' This was the sin of Sodom ; 
pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness were 



came to the diabolical resolution of selecting those who were the 
most sickly and throwing them into the sea, conceiving tha* if he 
could plead a necessity for the deed, the loss of the slaves would 
fall upon the underwriters. The plea w^hich he proposed to sei 
upj was want of water, though neither the crew nor the slaves 
had been put upon allow^ance. He selected accordingly one 
hundred and thirty-two of the most sickly, fifty-four of whom 
were immediately thrown overboard, and forty-two on the suc- 
ceeding day. But here the wTetch was left without the shadow 
of an excuse, for a shower of rain came on, which lasted for three 
days. Notwithstanding this, the remaining twenty-six were 
brought on deck to share the same fate. The first sixteen sub- 
mitted to be thrown into the sea, but the remainder would not 
permit any of the crew to touch them, but leaped in after theii 
companions. These circumstances were all fully proved before 
a court of justice, held at Guildhall, in London, in the prosecu- 
tion of a suit brought to recover their value from the insurers — 
the result of which however, was, that the loss was adjudged to 
fall upon the owners. 

^•The case of the Rodeur, captain B , a French vessel of 

two hundred tons burden, is remarkable. She left Havre for the 
coast of Africa, where she arrived and anchored before Bonny, 
in the river Calabar, and took in a cargo of slaves, contrary to the 
French law for the abolition of the trade. She soon after sailed 
M^ith them for Guadaloupe. In about a fortnight, when the vessel 
had nearly reached the Equator, a dreadful ophthalmia, sore 
eyesy broke out among the negroes, and spread with alarming 
rapidity. By the advice of the surgeon to the ship, the negroes, 
w^ho till then had been confined to the hold, w^ere successively 
brought upon deck, in order that they might breathe a purer air^ 
but it soon became necessary to abandon this salutary measure, 
for many of them leaped into the sea, embracing each other, un- 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 33,j 

found in her, and in her daughters ; neither did she 
strengthen the hands of the poor and needy." 

In a revolt so deep as this, when much blood has been 
shed unrighteously, in carrying on the slave trade, and 



daunted by the seventy of the captain, who made a terrible eA 
ample by shooting some and hanging others who attempted it. 
The danger of the disease, and probably the cause of the conta- 
gion were increased, by a violent dysentery, which now broke 
out among them. The disorder increased daily, as well as the 
number of those who became blind ; and it spread with such 
alarming rapidity among the crew, that in a little time there was 
only one man left who could steer the ship. At this period a 
large ship approached the Rodeur, which appeared to he totally 
at the mercy of the winds and waves. She was the Spanish 
slave ship St. Leon. Her crew, hearing the voices of the Ro- 
deur's men, cried out most vehemently for help. They told the 
melancholy tale as they passed along, that th*^ contagion had 
seized the eyes of all on board, and that there wns not one indi- 
vidual left, either sailor or slave, w^ho could see ! ^ut alas — thia 
pitiable tale of woe was utterly in vain — no help c»ouii be given 
them — the St. Leon passed on and was never heard of more ! 

" At length by a concurrence of very favourable circumstances, 
and the skill and perseverance of one man, who only preserved 
his sight unimpaired, the Rodeur reached Guadaloupe. B} this 
time thirty-nine of the slaves had become blind, twelve had lost 
one eye and fourteen were affected with blemishes. Out of the 
crew consisting of twenty-two, twelve had lost their sight, among 
whom was the surgeon, five had become blind of one eye. and 
four others w^ere partially injured. 

"Now what will the reader suppose was the first act of this 
captain and crew when they found themselves safely entering 
the port of Guadaloupe ? Doubtless he will imagine they were 
employed in returning unfeigned thanks to God for so signal and 
so unmerited a deliverance. But he will mistake if he thinks sc*. 
They possessed neither gratitude to God nor humanity towards 
his creatures. Destitute of every virtuous and tender feehng, they 



336 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

in supporting the practice of keeping slaves, which at 
this day is unatoned for, and crieth from the earth and 
from the seas against the oppressor ; while this practice 
is continued, and under a great load of guilt there is 

evinced their impious ingmtitude by absolutely throwirjg into the 
sea all those slaves, to the number of thirty-ninej who were incura- 
bly blind. This they did upon the wicked plea that if they car- 
ried them on shore nobo<1y would purchase them, and they would 
of course be at the expense of their maintenance • and further, 
by feigaing an act of necessity, they might claim their value 
from the underwriters.'^ 

Sir George Collier of the Tartar frigate, gave chase to a vessel 
supposed to be a slave ship. In the course of the chase several 
cawsks were observed to be floating in the sea, which the Tartar 
passed. After a long pursuit they boarded her, and she proved 
to be the La Jeune Estelle, of Martinique, Olympia Sanguines, 
master. The captain declared that he had no slaves on board, 
having been plundered of them by a Spanish pirate. The agita- 
tion and alarm which marked every countenance on board the 
vessel, excited strong suspicions in the mind of the chief officer 
of the Tartar, and he ordered the hold to be searched. During 
the examination one of the sailors happened to strike a cask 
which was tightly closed up, when he heard a faint sound issue 
from it like the voice of some creature expiring. The cask was 
immediately opened, when two slave girls, about twelve or four- 
teen years of age, in the last stage of suffocation were found 
packed up in it. They were carried on board the Tartar, revived 
by the fresh air, and were thus saved from a miserable death. 
These girls, when brought on the deck of the Tartar, were recog- 
nized by a person who had seen them in their own country, and 
who had been taken from another slave ship, as being the 
property of captain Richards, of the schooner Swift, of New York. 
An investigation afterwards took place, in the course of which, it 
appeared in evidence that captain Richards had died at Trade 
town on the coast of Africa, leaving behind him fourteen slaves. 
t)l whom these girls were a part ; and that after his death, cap- 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 337 

more unrighteousness committed, the state of things is 
very moving. 

There is a love which stands in nature, and a parent 
beholding his child in misery hath a feeling of the afflic- 



tain Sanguines had landed his men armed with swords and pis- 
tols, and carried off the whole fourteen slaves on board the Jeune 
Estelle. Sir George Collier conceiving that the other twelve 
might possibly be concealed in the vessel, ordered her re- 
searched. The result w^as that a negro man, not however of the 
twelve, was rescued from death. A platform of loose boards had 
been raised upon the w^ater casks of the vessel, forming a be- 
tween-decks of about twenty-three inches in height, which w as 
the intended receptacle of the cargo of human beings which 
captain Sanguines designed to procure. Beneath this platform, 
with one of the boards resting upon his body, jammed into the 
crevice between two water casks, was found this WTetched ne- 
gro, in a situation so extremely distressing, that it w^as matter of 
great astonishment to find him alive. The search for the other 
twelve proving fruitless, the officers and crew^ of the Tartar re- 
collected with feelings of horror the casks which they had seen 
floating on the ocean ; the painful conviction now forced itself 
upon their minds that the captain, fearing lest he should be cap- 
tured by the Tartar and detained, had during the chase, packed 
up his slaves in casks and throw^n them into the sea* an appre- 
hension which is corroborated by the reflection, that had he 
thrown them overboard without some such covering, their bodies 
v^ould in all probability have met the view of the officers and 
crew of the Tartar, and disclosed the horrid catastrophe. But 
alas ! it was now too late to attempt any plan for rescuing them. 
The chase had carried them many leagues to the windward of 
the casks, and should they even fall in w^ith them, which w^as 
scarcely possible, there w^as not the smallest probability of find- 
ing any of the wretched negroes alive, for the casks being tight 
they must have perished from suffocation. See Papers laid on 
the table of the House of Commons — Report of Sir George Collier 
— Speech of Due de Boglie — Report of African Institution, vol. 16. 

2D 



338 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

tion ; but in Divine love the heart is enlarged towards 
mankind universally, and prepared to sympathize with 
strangers, though in the lowest stations in life. 

Of this the prophet appears to have had a feeling, 

The schooner , Don Morales, master, arrived in the Rio 

Pongos. w here she took on board two hundred slaves. Our in- 
formant states, that Morales while trading for the cargo, exhibit- 
ed many uistances of savage ferocity toward the slaves, but 
after leaving the river, his cruelty seems to have had full scope. 

The number of slaves on board being greatly disproporticned 
to the stowage of the schooner, he was obliged from the fii'st to 
issue short rations of water and rice, in consequence of which 
some of the slaves evinced some signs of discontent. Morales^ 
deaf to their wants, kept them all below for three days without 
food of any kind, and with a barbarity unparalleled except among 
slave tmders. discharged all the fire arms in his vessel among 
the wretched beings, bound down and chained together as ihey 
were. Some of the sailors presumed to interfere, but the bar- 
barian silenced their complaints by killing the foremost of them 
with his sabre. He then made sail ag-ain for the Rio Pongos, 
where, with the assistance of the slave factors, he got every 
thing put to rights, took in slaves to supply the number he had 
killed, and bore away for Havanna. 

Captain Hayes. R. N., mentions the case of a slaver, having a 
large cargo of human beings chained together: •• The master of 
the vessel, with more humanity than his fellows, permitted some 
of them to come on deck, but still chained together, for the 
benefit of the air. when they immediately commenced jumping 
overboard, hand in hand, and drowning in couples.' He explains 
the cause of this circumstance by saying, 'they were just brougnt 
from a situation between decks, and to which they knew thev 
must return, where the scalding perspiration was running from 
one to the other, covered also with their own. filth, and where ii 
is no uncommon occurrence for women to be bringing forth chil- 
dren, and men dying by their side, with, full in their view, living 
and dead bodies chained together, and the living, in addition tt* 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 339 

when he said, '' Have we not all one Father? Hath not 
one God created us ? Why then do we deal treacher- 
ously every man w'ith his brother, in profaning the cove 
nant of our fathers ?" 

all their other torments, labouring under the most famishing 
thirst, being in a very few instances allowed more than a pint of 
water a day.* He goes on to say, "I have now an officer on 
board the ^ Dryad,' who, on examining one of these slave vessels, 
found not only living men chained to dead bodies, but the latter 
in a putrid state ; and we have now a case which, if true, is too 
horrible and disgusting to be described." 

In a letter from captain Wauchope, dated 13th of eighth month, 
1838, he says, "In second month. 1836, I was informed by Com- 
mander Puget, that the Spanish slaver. Argus, three months 
before this date, was chased by the Charybdis, Lieutenant Mer- 
cer; that during the chase ninety-seven slaves had been thrown 
overboard, and that a Spanish captain he had captured, declared 
he would never hesitate to throw the slaves overboard, to prevent 
being taken." 

" Captain Wauchope in the same letter informs, that on the 
18th of ninth month, 1836, the Thalia captured the Portuguese 
brig Felix, five hundred and ninety slaves on board. ^ After 
capture,' he says, ^ [ went on board, and such a scene of horror 
it is not easy to describe ; the long-boat on the booms, and the 
deck aft, w^ere crowded with little children, sickly, poor little un- 
happy things, some of them rather pretty, and some much marked 
and tattoed ] much pains must have been taken by their misera- 
ble parents to ornament and beautify them. 

'• ' The women lay betw^een decks aft, much crowded, and per- 
fectly naked ; they w^ere not barred down, the hatchway, a small 
one, being off; but the place for the men was too horrible, the 
wretches, chained two and two, gasping and striving to get at the 
bars of the hatchways, and such a steam and stench as to make 
il intolerable even to look down. It requires much caution at 
first, in allowing them to go on deck, as it is a common practice 
for them to jump overboard to get quit of their misery. 



340 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS, 

He who of old heard the groans of the children ol 
Israel under the hard task-masters in Egypt, I trust hath 
looked down from his holy habitation on the miseries of 
chese deeply oppressed people. Many lives have been 
shortened through extreme oppression, while they laboured 
to support luxury and worldly greatness; and though 
many people in outward prosperity may think little of 
those things, yet the gracious Creator hath regard to the 
cries of the innocent, however unnoticed by men. 

"•The slave-deck was not more than three feet six inches in 
heiglit, and the human beings stowed, or rather crushed as close 
as possible ] many appeared very sickly. There was no way of 
getting into the slave-room but by the hatchway. I was told, 
when they were all on deck to be counted, that it was impossible 
for any of our people to go into the slave-room for a single minute, 
so intolerable was the stench. The colour of these poor creatures 
was of a dark squalid yellow, so different, from the fine glossy 
black of our liberated Africans and Kroomen. I was shown a 
man rriuch bit and bruised 3 it was done in a struggle at the grat- 
ings of their hatchways, for a mouthful of fresh air.' 

"The Carolina, captured in 1834, off Wydah. This vessel was 
only seventy-five tons burden, yet she had three hundred and 
fifty negroes crammed on board of her, one hundred and eighty 
of whom were literally so stowed as to have barely sufficient 
height to hold themselves up, when in a sitting, posture. The 
poor creatures crowded round their deliverers, with their mouths 
open and their tongues parched for want of water, presenting a 
perfect spectacle of human misery. 

"In a letter from the Cape of Good Hope, of date 20th of first 
month, 1837, w^e find it stated that the British brig Dolphin, had 
lately captured the corvette Incomprehensible : and that on takmg 
possession of her, ^ the scene presented on board was harrowing 
in the extreme. One hundred had died from sickness, out of the 
eight hundred embarked ; another hundred were lying nearly 
lifeless on her decks, in wretchedness and misery, and all the 



. REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 341 

The Lord in the riches of his goodness is leading some 
mto the feeUng of the condition of this people, who 
cannot rest without labouring as their advocates ; of 
which in some measure I have had experience, for in the 
movings of his love in my heart, these poor sufferers 
have been brought near to me. 

The unoffending aged and infirm are made to labour 
too harcl, kept on a diet less comfortable than their weak 
5t:/te requires, and exposed to great difficulties undei 

agony of despair ; the lemaiiiiiig six hundred were so cramj.ed 
from the close manner in which they were packed, like herrings 
in a barrel, and the length of time they had been on their voy- 
age, and the cold they had endured in rounding the Cape, in a 
state of nudity, that it took the utmost exertions of the English 
sailors, favoured by a hot sun, to straighten them.' 

"In a letter from Colonel NicoUs, at the Bahamas, of date 1st of 
eighth month, 1837, it is stated that 'the Esperanza, a Spanish 
slave schooner, had been wrecked on one of these islands during 
the preceding month. It was ascertained that this vessel had 
embarked three hundred and twenty negroes on the coast of 
Africa ] of these only two hundred and twenty were landed at 
the time of the wreck. It appears that between sixty and seventy 
murders had been committed during the voyage on the helpless 
Africans; and in this manner: — When any of the slaves refused 
their food or became sick, the boatswain's mate, with a weighty 
club struck them on the back of the neck, when they fell, and 
were thrown overboard.' " 

Shocking as these details are. the truth of them is indisputable; 
and while a system exists which inflicts such sufl^erings upon our 
innocent fellow-creatures, it cannot be a matter of indifference or 
unconcern to us. But especially are we called upon deeply to 
ponder this affecting subject, and to dwell under the weight of 
it. by the fact that our own country is implicated, in no small 
degree in the guilt of the traffic, it being well ascertained that 
American vessels, American capital and American citizens, are 
employed in its prose( ution. — Friends' Library. Vol. VI. 

2 D 2 



342 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

hard-hearted men, to whose sufferings I have often been 
a witness, and under the heart-melting power of Divine 
love, their misery hath felt to me like the misery of my 
parents. 

Innocent youth are taken by violence from their native 
land, from their friends and acquaintance ; put on board 
ships with hearts laden with sorrow ; exposed to great 
hardships at sea, and placed under people where their 
lives are attended with great provocation to anger and 
revenge. 

With the condition of these youth my mind has often 
been affected, as with the afflictions of my children, and 
in a feeling of the misery of these people, and of that 
great offence which is ministered to them, my tears have 
been often poured out before the Lord. 

That holy Spirit which affected my heart when I was 
a youth, I trust is often felt by the negroes in their native 
land, inclining their minds to that which is righteous ; 
and had the professed followers of Christ in all their con- 
duct toward them, manifested a disposition answerable 
to the pure principle in their hearts, how might the holy 
Name have been honoured amongst the Gentiles, and 
how might we have rejoiced in the fulfilling of that pro- 
phecy, ^'I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for 
burnt-offerings, and I will direct their work in truth, and 
make an everlasting covenant with them. Their seed 
shall be known amongst the Gentiles, and their offspring 
amongst the people; all ihat see them shall acknowledge 
them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed." 

But in the present state of things, how contrary is our 
practice to that meek spirit, in which our Saviour laid 
down his life for ^is, that all the ends of the earth might 
know salvation in his name ! 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 343 

How are the sufferings of our blessed Redeemer set at 
naught, and his name blasphemed amongst the Gentiles, 
through the unrighteous proceedings of his professed 
followers ! 

My mind has often been affected, even from the days 
of my youth, under a sense of that marv ellous work, for 
which God in infinite goodness sent his Son into the 
world. 

The opening of that spring of living waters, which the 
true believers in Christ experience, by which they are 
redeemed from pride and covetousness, and brought into 
a state of meekness, where their hearts are enlarged in 
true love toward their fellow-creatures universally ; is a 
work that to me . has been precious, and spreading 
the knowledge of the Truth amongst the Gentiles, is 
very desirable. And the professed followers of Christ 
joining in customs evidently unrighteous, which mani- 
festly tend to stir up wrath and increase wars and deso- 
lations, has often covered my mind with sorrow. 

If we bring this matter home, and as Job proposed to 
his friends, " Put our soul in their soul's stead ;" if we 
consider ourselves and our children as exposed to the 
hardships which these people lie under in supporting an 
imaginary greatness, and in such case, beheld an increase 
of luxury and superfluity amongst our oppressors, and 
therewith felt an increase of the weight of our burdens, 
and expected our posterity to groan under oppression 
after us ; under all this misery, had we none to plead 
our ?ause, nor any hope of relief from man, how would 
our cries ascend to the God of the spirits of all flesh, 
who judgeth the world in righteousness, and in his own 
time is a refuge for the oppressed ! 

If they who thus afflicted us, continued to lay claim 



344 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

to religion, and were assisted in their business by others, 
esteemed pious people, who through a friendship with 
them strengthened their hands in tyranny ; if when we 
were hunger-bitten, we could not have sufficient nour- 
ishment, but saw them in fulness pleasing their taste with 
things fetched from far; if when we w^ere wearied with 
labour, we were denied the liberty to rest, and saw them 
spending their time at ease ; if garments answerable to 
our necessities were denied us, while we saw them 
clothed in that which was costly and delicate ; under 
such affliction, how would these painful feelings rise up 
as witnesses against their pretended devotion! And if 
the name of their religion was mentioned in our hearing, 
how would it sound in our ears like a word which sig- 
nified self-exaltation and hardness of heart! 

When a trade is carried on productive of much misery, 
and they who suffer by it are some thousands of miles 
off, the danger is the greater, of not laying their sufferings 
to heart. 

In procuring slaves on the coast of Africa, many 
children are stolen privately; wars also are encouraged 
amongst the negroes, but all is at a great distance. 

Many groans arise from dying men, which we hear not. 

Many cries are uttered by widows and fatherless chil- 
dren, which reach not our ears. 

Many cheeks are wet with tears and faces sad with 
unutterable grief, which we see not. 

Cruel tyranny is encouraged. The hands of robbers 
are strengthened, and thousands reduced to the most 
abject slavery, who never injured us. 

Were we for the te^^m of one year only to be eye wit 
nesses to what passes in getting these slaves ; 



REMARKS CN SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 345 

Was the blood which is there shed to be sprinkled on 
our garments ; 

Were the poor captives bound with thongs and heavy 
laden with elephants' teeth, to pass before our eyes on 
their way to the sea : 

Were their bitter lamentations day after day to ring in 
our ears, and their mournful cries in the night to hinder 
us from sleeping : 

Were w^e to hear the sound of the tumult when the 
slaves on board the ships attempt to kill the English, and 
behold the issue of those bloody conflicts : 

What pious man could be a witness to these things, 
and see a trade carried on in this manner, without being 
deeply affected with sorrow? 

Through abiding in the love of Christ we feel a tender- 
ness in our hearts toward our fellow-creatures, entangled 
in opprcwssive customs ; and a concern so to walk, that 
our conduct may not be a means of strengthening them 
in error. 

It was the command of the Lord through Moses, 
'^ Thou shalt not suffer sin upon thy brother : thou shalt 
in any w^ise rebuke thy brother, and shalt not suffer sin 
upon him." 

Again ; '^ Keep far from a false matter ; and the inno- 
cent and righteous slay thou not." 

The prophet Isaiah mentions oppression as that which 
the true church in time of outward quiet should not only 
be clear of, but should be far from it ; ^' Thou shalt be 
far from oppression." Now these words, ya^-yrom, ap- 
pear to have an extensive meaning, and to convey in- 
struction in regard to that of which Solomon speaks, 
'^ Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not go 
unpunished." 



346 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

It was a complaint against one of old, '' When thou 
sawest a thief, thou consentedst with him." 

The prophet Jeremiah represents the degrees of prepa- 
ration toward idolatrous sacrifice, in the simiUtude of a 
work carried on by children, men and women. '^ The 
children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, and the 
women knead the dough to bake cakes for the queen of 
heaven." 

It was a complaint of the Lord against Israel, through 
his prophet Ezekiel, that ''they strengthened the hands 
of the wicked, and made the hearts of the righteous 
sad." 

Some works of iniquity carried on by the people were 
represented by the prophet Hosea, in the similitude of 
ploughing, reaping and eating the fruit ; '' You have 
ploughed wickedness, reaped iniquity, eaten the fruit of 
lying, because thou didst trust in thy own w^ay, to the 
multitude of thy mighty men." 

I have felt great distress of mind since I came on this 
island, on account of the members of our Society being 
mixed with the world in various sorts of business and 
traffic, carried on in impure channels. Great is the trade 
to Africa for slaves ; and in loading the ships abundance 
of people are employed in the manufactories. 

Friends in early time refused on a religious principle, 
to make or trade in superfluities, of which w^e have many 
large testimonies on record, but for want of faithfulness 
some gave way, even some whose examples were of note 
in society, and from thence others took more liberty. 
Members of our Society worked in superfluities, and 
bought and sold them, and thus dimness of sight came 
over many. At length Friends got into the use of some 
superfluities in dress, and in the furniture of their ho ises, 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 347 

and this hath spread from less to more, till superfluity of 
some kinds is common amongst us. 

In this declining state many look at the example one 
of another, and too much neglect the pure feeling of 
Truth. Of late years a deep exercise hath attended my 
mind, that Friends may dig deep, may carefully cast 
forth the loose matter and get down to the rock, the sure 
foundation, and there hearken to that Divine voice which 
giv^es a clear and certain sound. 

I have felt in that which doth not deceive, that if 
Friends who have known the Truth, keep in that tender- 
ness of heart where all views of outw^ard gain are given 
up, and their trust is only on the Lord, he wdll graciously 
lead some to be patterns of deep self-denial, in things 
relating to trade and handicraft labour ; and that some 
vho have plenty of the treasures of this w^orld, \\i\\ ex- 
ample in a plain frugal life, and pay wages to those whom 
they may hire, more liberally than is now customary in 
some placesc 

The prophet speaking of the true church, said, ^' Thy 
people also shall be all righteous." Of the depth of this 
Divine work several have spoken. 

John Gratton, in his Journal, page 45, said '' The Lord 
is my portion, I shall not w^ant. He hath wrought all my 
works in me. I am nothing but what I am in him." 

Gilbert Latey, through the powerful operations of the 
Spirit of Christ in his soul, was brought to that depth of 
self-denial, that he could not join w^ith that proud spirit 
in other people, which inclined them to want vanities 
and superfluities. This Friend was often amongst the 
chief rulers of the nation in times of persecution, and it 
appears by the testimony of Friends, that his dwellino' 
was so evidently in the pure life of Truth, that in his 



348 REMAF-KS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

visits to those great men, he f )und a place in their minds; 
and that King James the second, in the times of his 
troubles, made particular mention in a very respectful 
manner of what Gilbert once said to him. 

The said Gilbert found a concern to write an epistle, 
in which are these expressions ; 

'' Fear the Lord, ye men of all sorts, trades and call- 
ings, and leave off all the evil that is in them, for the 
Lord is grieved with all the evils used in your employ- 
ments which you are exercised in." 

''It is even a grief to see how you are servants to sin, 
and instruments of Satan." See his works, page 42, &c. 

George Fox, in an epistle writes thus: "Friends, 
stand in the eternal pow^r of God, witnesses against the 
pomps and vanities of this world. 

" Such tradesmen who stand as w^itnesses in the powder 
of God, cannot fulfill the people's minds in these vanities, 
and therefore they are offended at them. 

'' Let all trust in the Lord, and wait patiently on him; 
for when Truth first broke forth in London, many trades- 
men could not take so much money in their shops for 
some time, as would buy them bread and water, because 
they withstood the world's w^ays, fashions and customs ; 
yet by their patient waiting on the Lord in their good life 
and conversation, they answ^ered the Truth in people's 
hearts, and thus their business increased." Book of 
Doctrinals, page 824. 

Christ our holy Leader graciously continueth to open 
the understandings of his people, and as circumstances 
alter from age to age, some who are deeply baptized into 
a feeling of the state of things, are led by his holy Spirit 
into exercises in some respects different from those which 
attended the faithful in foregoing ages, and through the 



REMARKS OJS SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 349 

constrainings of pure love, are engaged to open the feel- 
ings they have to others." 

In faithfully following Christ, the heart is weaned from 
the desire of riches, and we are led into a life so plain 
and simple, that a little doth suffice, and thus the way 
openeth to deny ourselves, under all the tempting allure- 
ments of that gain, which we know is the gain of un- 
righteousness. 

The apostle speaking on this subject, asketh this ques- 
tion; '^ What fellowship hath righteousness with unright- 
eousness?" And again saith, '' Have no fellowship with 
the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove 
them." Again, '^ Be not partaker of other men's sins, 
keep thyself pure." 

Where people through the power of Christ are tho- 
roughly settled in a right use of things, and freed from 
all unnecessary care and expense, the mind in this true 
resignation is at liberty from the bands of a narrow self- 
interest, to attend from time to time on the mov^ings of 
his Spirit upon us, though he leads into that through 
which our faith is closely tried. 

The language of Christ is pure, and to the pure in 
heart this pure language is intelligible ; but in the love 
of money, the mind being intent on gain, is too full of 
human contrivance to attend to it. 

It appears evident that some channels of trade are 
defiled with unrighteousness, and that the minds of many 
are intent on getting treasures to support a life, in which 
ther/ are many unnecessary expenses. 

I feel a living concern attend my mind, that undei 
these difficulties we may humbly follow our heavenly 
Shepherd, who graciously regardeth his flock, and is 
willing and able to supply us both inwardly and out- 

2 E 



350 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

wardly with clean provender, that has been winnowed 
with the shovel and the fan, where we may <' sow to 
ourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy," and not be 
defiled with the works of iniquity. 

Where customs contrary to pure wisdom are trans- 
mitted to posterity, it appears to be an injury committed 
against them ; and I often feel tender compassion toward 
a young generation, with desires that their difficulties 
may not be increased through unfaithfulness in us of the 
present age. 



CHAPTER II. 

On a Sailor's life. 

In the trade to Africa for slaves, and in the management 
of ships going on these voyages, many of our lads and 
young men have a considerable part of their education. 

What pious father beholding his son placed in one of 
these ships to learn the practice of a mariner, could for- 
bear mourning over him ? 

Where youth are exampled in means of getting money 
so full of violence, and used to exercise such cruelties 
on their fellow-creatures, the disadvantage to them in 
their education is very great. 

But I feel it in my mind to write concerning the sea- 
faring life in general. 

In the trade carried on from the West Indies, and 
from some parts of the continent, the produce of the 
labour of slaves is a considerable part. 

Sailors are frequently at ports where slaves abound, 
and converse often with people who oppre5"s them without 
the appearance of remorse, and often with other sailors 



Rfc:MARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 351 

employed in the slave trade, and how powerfully do these 
evil examples spread amongst the sea-faring youth ! 

I have had many opportunities to feel and understand 
the general state of the sea-faring life amongst us, and 
my mind hath often been sad on account of so many 
lads and young men being trained up amidst so great 
corruption. 

Under the humbling power of Christ I have seen, that 
if the leadings of his holy Spirit were faithfully attended 
to by his professed followers in general, the heathen na- 
tions would be exampled in righteousness, a less number 
of people would be employed on the seas, the channels 
of trade would be more free from defilement, and fewer 
people would be employed in vanities and super- 
fluities. 

The inhabitants of cities would also be less in number, 
and those who have much land would become fathers to 
the poor. 

More people would be engaged in the sweet employ- 
ment of husbandry ; and in the path of pure wisdom, 
labour would be an agreeable, healthful employment. 

In the opening of these things in my mind, I feel a 
living concern that we who have felt Divine love in our 
hearts may faithfully abide in it, and like good soldiers 
endure hardness for Christ's sake. 

He, our blessed Saviour, exhorting his followers to 
love one another, adds, ''As I have loved you." He 
loved Lazarus, yet in his sickness he did not heal him, 
but left him to endure the pains of death, that in restoring 
him to life, the people might be confirmed in the true 
faith. 

He loved his disciples, but sent them forth on a mes- 
sage attended with great difficulty, amongst hard-hearted 



352 REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

people, some of whom thought that in killing them they 
did God service. 

So deep is Divine love, that in steadfastly abiding in 
it, we are prepared to deny ourselves of all gain which 
iS contrary to pure wisdom, and to follow Christj even 
under contempt and through sufferings. 

While Friends were kept truly humble and w^alked 
according to the purity of our principles, the Divine 
witness in many hearts was reached ; but when a worldly 
spirit got entrance, therewith came in luxuries and super- 
fluities, and spread by little and little, even amongst the 
foremost rank in society, and from thence others took 
liberty in that way more abundantly. 

In the continuation of these things from parents to 
children, there were many wants to supply, even wants 
unknown to Friends while they faithfully followed Christ. 
In striving to supply these wants many have exacted on 
the poor, and many have entered on employments, in 
which they often labour in upholding pride and vanity. 
Many have looked on one another, been strengthened in 
these things, one by the example of another, and as to 
the pure divine seeing, dimness has come over many, and 
the channels of true brotherly love have been obstructed. 

People may have no intention to oppress, yet by enter- 
ing on expensive ways of life, their minds may be so 
entangled therein and so engaged to support expensive 
customs, as to be estranged from the pure sympathizing 
spirit. 

As I have travelled in England, I have had a tender 
feeling of the condition of poor people, some of whom 
though honest and industrious, have nothing to spare 
toward paying for the schooling of their children. 

There is a right proportion betw^een labour and the 



REMARKS JN SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 353 

necessaries of life, and in true brotherly love the mind 
is open to feel after the necessities of the poor. 

Amongst the poor there are some that are weak through 
age, and others of a weakly nature, who pass through 
straits in very private life, without asking relief from the 
public. 

Those who are strong and healthy may do business, 
which to the weakly may be oppressive ; and in perform- 
ing that in a day which is esteemed a day's labour, 
weakly persons in the field and in the shops, and weakly 
women who spin and knit in the manufactories, often pass 
through weariness ; and many sighs I believe are uttered 
in secret, unheard by some who might ease their burdens. 

Labour in the right medium is healthy, but in too 
much of it there is a painful weariness; and the hard- 
ships of the poor are sometimes increased through the 
want of more agreeable nourishment, more plentiful fuel 
for fire, and warmer clothing in the winter than their 
wages will answer. 

When I have beheld plenty in some houses to a degree 
of luxury; the condition of poor children brought up 
without learning, and the condition of the weakly and 
aged, w^ho strive to live by their labour, have often 
revived in my mind, as cases of which some who live in 
fulness need to be put in remembrance. 

There are few if any, who could behold their fellow- 
creatures lie long in distress and forbear to help them, 
when they could do it without any inconvenience ; but 
customs requiring much labour to support them, do often 
lie heavily on the poor, while they who live in these cus- 
toms are so entangled in a multitude of unnecessary con- 
cerns, that they think but little of the ha:dships which 
the poor people go through. 

2£2 



354 REMAKKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

CHAPTER III. 

On Silent Worship. 

Worship in silence hath often been refresliing to my 
mind, and a care attends me that a young generation 
jnay feel the nature of this worship. 

Great expense is incurred in relation to that which is 
called Divine worship. 

A considerable part of this expense is applied toward 
outward greatness, and many poor people in raising of 
tithe, labour in supporting customs contrary to the sim- 
])licity that there is in Christ, toward whom my mind hath 
often been moved with pity. 

In pure silent worship, we dwell under the holy anoint- 
ing, and feel Christ to be our shepherd. 

Here the best of teachers ministers to the several con- 
ditions of his flock, and the soul receives immediately 
from the Divine fountain, that with which it is nourished. 

I have travelled at times w^here those of other societies 
have attended our meetings, and have perceived how 
little some of them knew of the nature of silent worship ; 
and I have felt tender desires in my heart that we who 
often sit silently in our meetings, may live answerably to 
the nature of an inward fellowship with God, that no 
stumbling block through us, may be laid in their way. 

Such is the load of unnecessary expense laid in many 
places on that which is called Divine service, and so 
much are the minds of many people employed in outward 
forms and ceremonies, that the opening of an inward 
silent w^orship in this nation, to me, has appeared to be 
a precious opening. 

Within the last four hundred years, many pious people 



REMARKS ON SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 355 

have been leeply exercised in soul, on account of the 
superstition which prevailed amongst the professed fol- 
lowers of Christ, and in support of their testimony against 
oppressive idolatry, some in several ages have finished 
their course in the flames. 

It appears by the history of the reformation, that 
through the faithfulness of the martyrs, the understand- 
ings of many have been opened, and the minds of people, 
from age to age, been more and more prepared for spir- 
itual worship. 

My mind is often affected with a sense of the condi- 
tion of those people, who in different ages have been 
meek and patient, following Christ through great afflic- 
tions. And while I behold the several steps of reform- 
ation, and that clearness, to which through Divine Good- 
ness, it hath been brought by our ancestors, I feel tender 
desires that we who sometimes meet in silence, may 
never by our conduct lay stumbling blocks in the way 
of others, and hinder the progress of the reformation in 
the world. 

It was a complaint against some who w^ere called the 
Lord's people, that they brought polluted bread to his 
altar, and said the table of the Lord was contemptible. 

In real silent worship the soul feeds on that which is 
Divine ; but we cannot partake of the table of the Lord, 
and that table which is prepared by the god of this world. 

If Christ is our shepherd and feedeth us, and we are 
taithful in following him, our lives will have an inviting 
.anguage, and the table of the Lord will not be polluted. 



AN EPISTLE 



QUARTEEIY AND MONTHLY MEETINGS OF FRIENDS. 

Beloved Friends, 

Feeling at this time a renewed concern that the pure 
Spirit of light and life, and the righteous fruits thereof, 
raay spread and prevail amongst mankind, there is an 
engagement on my heart to labour v^ath my brethren in 
religious profession, that none of us may be a stumbling- 
block in the way of others ; but that we may so walk 
that our conduct may reach the pure witness in the hearts 
of those who are not in profession wdth us. 

And, dear friends, while we publicly own that the holy 
Spirit is our leader, the profession is in itself weighty, 
and the weightiness thereof increases, in proportion as 
we are noted among the professors of Truth, and active 
in dealing with those who walk disorderly. 

Many under our profession for want of due atten- 
tion, and a perfect resignation to this Divine teacher, 
have in some things manifested a deviation from the 
purity of our religious principles, and these deviations 
having crept in amongst us by little and little, and in- 
creasing from less to greater, have been so far unnoticed, 
that some living in them, have been active in putting 
discipline in practice, with relation to others, w^hose con- 
duct has appeared more dishonourable in the world. 

As my mind hath been exercised before the Lord, I 
have seen that the discipline of the church of Christ 
356 



AN EPISTLE. 357 

standeth in that which is pure ; that it is the wisdom 
from above which gives authority to discipline ; and that 
the weightiness thereof standeth not in any outward cir- 
cumstances, but in the authority of Christ who is the 
author of it ; and where any walk after the flesh, and not 
according to the purity of Truth, and at the same lime 
are active in putting discipline in practice, a veil is 
gradually drawn over its purity, and over that holiness 
of life, which Christ leads those into, '' in whom the love 
of God is verily perfected." 

When we labour in true love with offenders, and they 
remain obstinate, it sometimes is necessary to proceed as 
far as our Lord directed, '^ Let him be to thee as an hea- 
then man, or a publican." 

When such are disowned, and they who act therein 
feel Christ made unto them wisdom, and are preserved 
in his meek, restoring spirit, there is no just cause of 
offence ministered to any ; but when those who are active 
in dealing whh offenders indulge themselves in things 
which are contrary to the purity of Truth, and yet judge 
others whose conduct appears more dishonourable than 
theirs, here the pure authority of discipline ceaseth as to 
such offenders, and a temptation is laid in their way to 
wrangle and contend. '' Judge not," said our Lord, 
^Uhat ye be not judged." This forbidding alludes to 
man's judgment, and points out the necessity of humbly 
attending to that sanctifying power under which the 
faithful experience the Lord to be "a spirit of judgment 
to them." And as we feel his holy Spirit to mortify the 
deeds of the body in us, and can say, " it is no more I 
that live, but Christ that liveth in me," here right judg- 
ment is known. 

While Divine love prevails in our hearts, and self in 



368 AN EPISTLE. 

US is brought under judgment, a preparation is felt to 
labour in a right manner with offenders ; but if we abide 
not in this love, our outward performance in dealing with 
others degenerates into formality; for ^^his is the love 
of God, that we keep his commandments." 

How^ weighty are those instructions of our Redeemer 
concerning religious duties, when he points out, that 
they who pray, should be so obedient to the teachings 
of the holy Spirit, that humbly confiding in his help, they 
may say, '^ Thy name O Father be hallowed ! Thy king- 
dom come ; thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." 
In this awful state of mind is felt that worship which 
stands in doing the w'ill of God on earth, as it is done in 
heaven, and keeping the holy name sacred. To take a 
holy profession upon us is awful, nor can we keep this 
holy name sacred, but by humbly abiding under the 
cross of Christ. The apostle made a heavy complaint 
against some who profaned this holy name by their man- 
ner of living; ''through you," he says, ''the name of 
God is blasphemed amongst the Gentiles." 

Some of our ancestors through many tribulations were 
gathered into the state of true worshippers, and had fel- 
lowship in that which is pure, and as one was inwardly 
moved to kneel down in their assemblies and publicly 
call on the name of the Lord, those in the harmony ol 
united exercise then present, joined in the prayer. 1 
mention this in order that we of the present age may look 
unto the Rock from whence we were hewn, and remem- 
ber that to unite in worship, is a union in prayer, and 
that prayer is acceptable to the Father which is in a mind 
truly sanctified, where the sacred name is kept holy, and 
the heart resigned to do his will on earth as it is done in 
heaven. "If ye abide in me," saith Christ, "and my 



AN EPISTLE. 359 

words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will in my 
name, and it shall be done unto you." We know not 
what to pray for as we ought, but as the holy Spirit doth 
open and direct our minds, and as we faithfully yield to 
its influences, our prayers are in the will of our heavenly 
Father, who fails not to grant that which his own Spirit, 
through his children, asketh ; — thus preservation from 
sin is known, and the fruits of righteousness are brought 
forth by such who inwardly unite in prayer. 

How weighty are our solemn meetings when the name 
of Christ is kept holy ? 

<« How precious is that state in which the children of 
the Lord are so redeemed from the love of this world, 
that they are accepted and blessed in all that they do." 
R. Barclay's Apology, page 404. 

How necessary is it that w^e who profess these princi- 
ples, and are active in supporting them, should faithfully 
abide in Divine strength, that ''As He who hath called 
us is holy, so that w^e may be holy in all manner of con- 
versation." 

If one professing to be influenced by the Spirit of 
Christ, proposes to unite in a labour to promote right- 
eousness in the earth, and in time past he hath manifestly 
deviated from the path of equity, then to act consistently 
with this principle, his first work is to make restitution 
so far as he may be enabled ; for if he attempts to con- 
tribute toward a v/ork intended to promote righteousness, 
while it appears that he neglecteth, or refuseth to act 
righteously himself, his conduct has a tendency to en- 
tangle the minds of those who are weak in the faith, who 
behold these things, and to draw a veil over the purity 
of righteousness, by carrying an appearance as though 
that was righteousness which is not. 



360 A.N EPISTLE. 

Again, if I propose to assist in supporting those doc- 
trines wherein that purity of life is held forth, in which 
customs proceeding from the spirit of this world have 
no place, and at the same time strengthen others in those 
customs by my example ; the first step in an orderly 
proceeding, is to cease from those customs myself, and 
afterwards to labour, as I may be enabled, to promote 
the like disposition and conduct in others. 

To be convinced of the pure principle of Truth, and 
diligently exercised in walking answerably thereto, is 
necessary before I can consistently recommend this prin- 
ciple to others. I often feel a labour in spirit, that we 
who are active members in religious society may expe- 
rience in ourselves the truth of those expressions of the 
holy One — ''I will be sanctified in them that come nigh 
me." In this case, my mind hath been often exercised 
when alone year after year for many years, and in the 
renewings of Divine love, a tender care hath been in- 
cited in me, that we who profess the light of Christ Jesus 
to be our teacher, may be a family united in that purity 
of worship, which comprehends a holy life, and ministers 
ynstruction to others. 

My mind is often drawn towards children in the Truth, 
who having a small share of the things of this life, and 
coming to have families, may be exercised before the 
Lord to support them in a w^ay agreeable to the purity 
of Truth, in which they may feel His blessing upon them 
in their labours. The thought of such being entangled 
with customs, contrary to pure wisdom, conveyed to 
them through our hands, often very tenderly and jror- 
ingly affects my heart ; and when I look tow^ardr. and 
think on the succeeding generation, fervent desires are 
raised in me, that by yielding to that holy Spirit whici 



AN EPISTLE. 361 

leads into all Truth, we may not do the work of the 
Lord deceitfully, may not live contrary to the purity of 
the Divine light we profess ; but that as faithful labourers 
in our age, we may be instrumental in removing stum- 
bling-blocks out of the way of those who may succeed us. 

So great was the love of Christ, that he gave himself 
for the church, that he might sanctify and cleanse it, that 
it should be holy, and without blemish, not having spot 
or wrinkle, or any such thing. Where any take the 
name of Christ upon them, professing to be members of 
his church, and to be led by his holy Spirit, and yet 
manifestly deviate from the purity of Truth, they herein 
act against the gracious design of his giving himself for 
them, and minister cause for the continuance of his 
afflictions in his body, the church. 

Christ suffered afflictions in a body of flesh prepared 
by the Father, but the afflictions of his mystical body are 
yet unfinished ; for they who are baptized into Christ are 
baptized into his death, and as we humbly abide under 
his sanctifying power, and are brought forth into new- 
ness of life, we feel Christ to live in us, who, being the 
same yesterday, to-day, and forever, and always at unity 
with himself, his Spirit in the hearts of his people leads 
to an inward exercise for the salvation of mankind. 
When under a travail of spirit, we behold a visited peo- 
ple entangled by the spirit of this world with its wicked- 
ness and customs, and thereby rendered incapable of 
being faithful examples to others, sorrow and heaviness 
under a sense of these things, are often experienced, and 
thus in some measure is filled up that which remains of 
the afflictions of Christ. 

Our blessed Saviour speaking concerning gifts offered 
in Divine service, says, «'If thou bring thy gift to the 

2F 



362 AN EPISTLE. 

altar, and there reme. iberest that thy brother hath aught 
against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go 
thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then 
come and offer thy gift." Now there is no true unity, 
but in that wherein the Father and the Son are united, 
nor can there be a perfect reconciliation but in ceasing 
from that which ministers cause for the continuation of 
the afflictions of Christ ; and if any professing to bring 
their gift to the altar, do remember the customary con- 
tradiction which some of their fruits bear to the pure, 
spiritual worship, here it appears necessary to lay to 
heart this command, ''leave thy gift by the altar." 

Christ graciously calls his people brethren ; '' whoso- 
ever shall do the will of God the same is my brother." 
If we walk contrary to the Truth as it is in Jesus while 
we continue to profess it, we offend against Christ, and 
if under this offence we bring our gift to the altar, our 
Redeemer doth not direct us to take back our gift, he 
doth not discourage our proceeding in a good work ; 
but graciously points out the necessary means by which 
the gift may be rendered acceptable ; '' leave," saith he, 
'' thy gift by the altar, first go and be reconciled to thy 
brother," cease from that which grieves the holy Spirit, 
cease from that which is against the Truth as it is in 
Jesus, and then come and offer thy gift. 

I feel, while I am writing, a tenderness to those who 
through Divine favour, are preserved in a lively sense 
of the state of the churches, and at times may be under 
discouragements with regard to proceeding in that pure 
way which Christ by his holy Spirit leads into. The 
depth of disorder and weakness, which so much prevails, 
being opened, doublings are apt to arise as to the possi- 
bility of proceeding as an assembly of the Lord's people 



AN EPISTLE. 36S 

in the pure counsel of Truth ; and here I feel a concern 
to express in uprightness, that which hath been opened 
.n my mind, under the power of the cross of CI rist, re- 
lating to a' visible gathered church, the members svhereof 
are guided by the holy Spirit. 

The church is called the body of Christ, Col. i, 25. — 
Christ is called the head of the church, Eph. i, 22. The 
church is called the pillar and ground of Truth, 1 Tim. 
iii, 15. Thus the church hath a name that is sacred, 
and the necessity of keeping this name holy, appears 
evident ; for where a number of people unite in a profes- 
sion of being led by the Spirit of Christ, and publish 
their principles to the world, the acts and proceedings 
of that people may in some measure be considered as 
those of which Christ is the author. 

While we stand in this station, if the pure light of 
life is not follow^ed and regarded in our proceedings, we 
are in the way of profaning the holy name, and of going 
back toward that wilderness of sufferings and persecu- 
tion, out of which, through the tender mercies of God, 
a church hath b-'cn gathered. " Christ liveth in sanctified 
vessels," and where they behold his holy name profaned, 
and the pure Gospel light eclipsed through the unfaith- 
fulness of any who by their station appear to be standard 
bearers under the Prince of peace, the living members 
in the body of Christ, beholding these things, do in some 
degree experience the fellowship of his suff*erings, and as 
the wisdom of the world more and more takes place in 
conducting the affairs of this visible gathered church, and 
the pure leadings of the holy Spirit are less waited for 
and followed, so the true suffering seed is more and 
^ore oppressed. 

My mind is often affected with a sense of the condi- 



364 AN EPISTLE. 

tion of sincere-hearted people in some kingdoms, where 
liberty of conscience is not allowed, many of whom being 
burthened in their minds with the prevailing superstition, 
joined with oppressions, are often under sorrow ; and 
where such have attended to that pure light which has 
In some degree opened their understandings, and for 
their faithfulness thereto, have been brought to examina- 
tion and trial, how heavy have been the persecutions 
which in divers parts of the world have been exercised 
upon them ? How mighty, as to the outward, is that 
power by which they have been borne down and op- 
pressed ? 

How deeply affecting is the condition of many upright- 
hearted people who are taken into the papal inquisition ? 
What lamentable cruelties, in deep vaults, in a private 
way, are exercised on many of them ? and how lingering 
is that death by a small slow fire, which those have fre- 
quently endured who have been faithful to the end ? 

How many tender-spirited Protestants have been sen- 
tenced to spend the reminder of their lives in a galley 
chained to oars, under hard-hearted masters, while their 
young children are placed out for education, and taught 
principles so contrary to the consciences of the parents, 
that by dissenting from them, they have hazarded their 
liberty, their lives, and all that was dear to them of the 
things of this world ? 

There have been in time past severe persecutions under 
the English government, and many sincere-hearted peo- 
ple have suffered death for the testimony of a good con- 
science, whose faithfulness in their day has ministered 
encouragement to others, and been a blessing to many 
who have succeeded them. Thus from age to age, the 
darkness being more and more removed, a channel bj 



AN EPISTLE. 365 

.ength, through the tender mercies of God, nas been 
opened for the exercise of the pure gift of tlie Gospel 
ministry, without interruption from outward power, a 
work, the like of which is rare, and unknow^n in many 
parts of the world. 

As these things are often fresh in my mind, and this 
great work of God going on in the earth has been opened 
before me, that liberty of conscience with which we are 
favoured, has appeared not to be a light matter. 

A trust is committed to us, a great and weighty trust, 
to which our diligent attention is necessary. Wherever 
the active members of this visible gathered church use 
themseU'es to that which is contrary to the purity of our 
principles, it appears to be a breach of this trust, and 
one step back toward the w^ilderness ; one step towards 
undoing what God in infinite love hath done through 
his faithful servants in a work of several ages, and is 
like laying the foundation for future sufferings. 

I feel a living invitation in my mind to those who are 
active in our religious Society, that we may lay to heart 
this matter, and consider the station in which we stand ; 
a place of outward liberty under the free exercise of our 
consciences tow^ards God, not obtained but through the 
great and manifold afflictions of those who lived before 
us. There is gratitude due from us to our heavenly 
Father, and justice to our posterity. Can our hearts en- 
dure, or our hands be strong, if we desert a cause so 
precious, if w^e turn aside from a work in which so many 
have patiently laboured ? 

May the deep sufferings of our Saviour be so dear to 
us, that we may never trample under foot the adorable 
Son of God, or count the blood of the covenant unholy! 

May the faithfulness of the martyrs when the prospect 

2f2 



366 AN EPISTLE. 

of death by fire was before them, be remembered ! May 
the patient constant siiflerings of the upright-hearted 
servants of God in latter ages be revived in our minds! 
May we so follow on to kno^v the Lord, that neither the 
faithful in this age, nor those in ages to come, may be 
brought under suffering, through our sliding back from 
the work of reformation in the world! 

While the active members in the visible gathered 
church stand upright, and the affairs thereof are carried 
on under the leadings of the holy Spirit, although disor- 
ders may arise among us, and cause nnany exercises to 
those who feel the care of the churches upon them ; yet 
while these continue under the weight of the w^ork, and 
labour in the meekness of wisdom for the help of others, 
the name of Christ in the visible gathered church may 
be Kept sacred. But while they who are active in the 
affairs of the church, continue in a manifest opposition 
to the purity of our principles, this as the prophet Isaiah 
expresseth it, is hke '' as when a standard bearer faint- 
eth." Thus the way opens to great and prevailing de- 
generacy, and to sufierings for those who, through the 
power of Divine love, are separated to the Gospel of 
Christ, and cannot unite with any thing which stands in 
opposition to the purity of it. 

The necessity of an inward stillness, hath under these 
exercises appeared clear to my mind. In true silence 
strength is renewed, the mind herein is weaned from all 
things, but as they may be enjoyed in the Divine will, 
and a lowliness in outward living, opposite to worldly 
honour, becomes truly acceptable to us. In the desire 
after outward gain, the mind is prevented from a perfect 
attention to the voice of Christ ; but being w eaneci 
from all things, but as they may be enjoyed in the Divine 



AN EPISTLE. 367 

will, the puie light shines into the soul. Where th« 
fruits of that spirit which is of this world, are brought 
forth by many w^ho profess to be led by the Spirit of 
Truth, and cloudiness is felt to be gathering over the 
visible church, the sincere in heart who abide in true 
stillness, and are exercised therein before the Lord for 
his name sake, have a knowdedge of Christ in the fel- 
lowship of his sufferings, and inward thankfulness is felt 
at times, that through Divine love our own wisdom is cast 
out, and that forward active part in us subjected, which 
would rise and do something in the visible church, 
without the pure leadings of the Spirit of Christ. 

While aught remains in us different from a perfect re- 
signation of our wills, it is like a seal to a book wherein 
is written ''that good and acceptable, and perfect will of 
God concerning us ;" but when our minds entirely yield 
to Christ, that silence is known, which foUoweth the 
opening of the last of the seals, Rev. viii, 1. In this 
silence we learn to abide in the Divine will, and there 
feel that we have no cause to promote but that only in 
which the light of life directs us in our proceedings, and 
that the alone way to be useful in the church of Christ, is 
to abide faithfully under the leadings of his holy Spirit in 
all cases, that being preserved thereby in purity of heart 
and holiness of conversation, a testimony to the purity 
of his government may be held forth thro igh us to 
others. 

As my mind hath been thus exercised, I have seen that 
to be active and busy in the visible gathered church, 
without the leading's of the holy Spirit is not only un- 
profitable, but tends to increase dimness, and \vhere way 
is no^ opened to proceed in the light of Truth, a stop is 
fell by those who humbly attend to the Divine Leader, ;* 



368 AN EPISTLE. 

Stop which in relation to good order in the church, is of 
the greatest consequence to be observed. Robert Bar- 
clay in his treatise on discipline, holds forth, pages 65, 
68, 84, '' That the judgment or conclusion of the church 
or congregation, is no further effectual as to the true end 
and design thereof, but as such judgment or conclusion 
proceeds from the Spirit of God operating on their minds 
who are sanctified in Christ Jesus." 

In this stop I have learned the necessity of w^aiting on 
the Lord in humility, that the works of all may be brought 
to light, and those to judgment which are wrought in 
the wisdom of this world, and have also seen, that in a 
mind thoroughly subjected to the powder of the cross, 
there is a savour of life to be felt, which evidently tends 
to gather souls to God, while the greatest works in the 
visible church, brought forth in man's wisdom, remain to 
be unprofitable. 

Where people are divinely gathered into a holy fel- 
low'ship, and faithfully abide under the influence of that 
Spirit which leads into all truth, '^ they are the light of the 
world." Holding this profession, to me appears weighty, 
even beyond what I can fully express, and what our 
blessed Lord seemed to have in view, when he proposed 
the necessity of counting the cost, before w^e begin to 
build. 

I trust there are many w^ho at times, under Divine 
visitation, feel an inw-ard inquiry after God, and when 
such in the simplicity of their hearts mark the lives of a 
people who profess to walk by the leadings of his Spirit, 
of what great concernment is it that our lights shine 
dei.r, that nothing in our conduct carry a contradiction 
to the Truth as it is in Jesus, or be a means of profaning 



AN EPISTLE. 369 

his holy name, and be a stumbling-block in the vay of 
sincere inquirers. 

When such seekers, wearied with empty forms, look 
towards uniting* with us as a people, and behold active 
members among us depart in their customary way of liv- 
ing from that purity of life, which under humbling exer- 
cises has been opened before them as the way of the 
Lord's people, how mournful and discouraging is the 
prospect! and how strongly doth such unfaithfulness 
operate against the spreading of the peaceable, harmoni- 
ous principles and testimony of truth amongst mankind ? 

In entering into that life which is hid with Christ in 
God, we behold his peaceable government, where the 
whole family are governed by the same spirit, and the 
<^ doing to others as we would they should do unto us," 
groweth up as good fruit from a good tree : the peace, 
quietness, and harmonious walking in this government is 
beheld with humble reverence to Him who is the authoi 
of it, and in partaking of the Spirit of Christ, we partake 
of that which labours and suffers for the increase of this 
peaceable government among the inhabitants of the 
world. I have felt a labour of long continuance that we 
who profess this peaceable principle, may be faithful 
standard-bearers under the Prince of peace, and that 
nothing of a defiling nature, tending to discord and wars, 
may remain among us. 

May each of us query with ourselves, have the trea- 
sures I possess, been gathered in that wisdom w^hich is 
from above, so far as has appeared to me ? 

Have none of my fellow-creatures an equitable right 
to any part of what is called mine ? 

Have the gifts and possessions received by me from 



370 AN EPISTLE. 

others, been conveyed in a way free from all unrighteous- 
ness so far as I have seen ? 

The principle of peace in which our trust is only on 
the Lord, and our minds weaned from a dependance on 
the strength of armies, has appeared to me very precious ; 
and I often feel strong desires, that we who profess this 
principle, may so walk, as to give no just cause for any 
of our fellow-creatures to be offended at us ; and that our 
lives may evidently manifest, that we are redeemed from 
that spirit in which wars are. Our blessed Saviour in 
pointing out the danger of so leaning on man, as to 
neglect the leadings of his holy Spirit, said, '« Call no 
man your father upon the earth ; for one is your father 
which is in heaven." Where the wisdom from above is 
faithfully followed, and therein w^e are entrusted with 
substance, it is a treasure committed to our care, in the 
nature of an inheritance from Him who formed and sup- 
ports the world. In this condition the true enjoyment of 
the good things of this life is understood, and that bless- 
ing felt, in which is real safety ; this is what I apprehend 
our blessed Lord had in view^, when he pronounced, 
<' Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." 

Selfish worldly-minded men may hold lands in the 
selfisli spirit, and depending on the strength of outward 
power, may be perplexed with secret uneasiness, lest the 
injured should at sometime overpower them, and that 
measure be meted to them, which they measure to others. 
Thus selfish men may possess the earth ; but it is the 
meek who inherit it, and enjoy it as an inheritance from 
their heavenly Father, free from all the defilements and 
perplexities of unrighteousness. 

Where proceedings have been in that wisdom which is 
from beneath, and inequitable gain gathered by a man, 



AN EPISTLE. 371 

and left as a gift to his children, who being entangled by 
the same worldly spirit, have not attained to that clear- 
ness of light in which the channels of righteousness are 
opened, and justice done to those who remain silent 
under injuries; here I have seen under humbling exer- 
cise of mind, that the sins of the fathers are embraced by 
the children, and become their sins, and thus in the days 
of tribulation, the iniquities of the fathers are visited upon 
these children, who take hold of the unrighteousness of 
their fathers, and live in that spirit in which those iniqui- 
ties were committed. To thts agreeth the prophecy of 
Moses, concerning a rebellious people, '' They that are 
left of you shafll pme away in their iniquities in your 
enemy's land, and in the iniquities of their fathers shall 
they pine away." Our blessed Lord in beholding the 
hardness of heart in that generation, and feeling in him- 
self, that they lived in the same spirit in which the pro- 
phets had been persecuted unto death, signified "that 
the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the 
foundation of the world, should be required of that gene- 
ration, from the blood of Abel, unto the blood of Zacha- 
rias, which perished between the altar and the temple." 

Tender compassion fills my heart toward my fellow- 
creatures estranged from the harmonious government of 
the Prince of peace, and a labour attends me, that they 
may be gathered to this peaceable habitation. 

In being inw^ardly prepared to suffer adversity for 
Christ's sake, and w^eaned from a dependance on the 
arm of flesh, w^e feel that there is a rest for the people of 
God, and that it stands in a perfect resignation of our- 
selves to his holy will. In this condition all our w^ants 
and desires are bounded by pure w^isdom, and our minds 
are w^holly attentive to the counsel of Christ inw^ardly 



372 AN EPISTLE. 

communicated. This has appeared to me a habitation 
of safety for the Lord's people, in times of outward com- 
motion and trouble, and desires from the fountain of pure 
love are opened in me, to invite my brethren and fellov^- 
creatures to feel for, and seek after that which gathers 
the mind into it. 

John Woolman 
Mount Holly, New Jersey, 
Fourth month, 1772, 



THE ENIK 



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